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Credit & Copyright: John Kraus
Explanation:
A composite of three consecutive exposures,
this night skyscape follows
the January 7 launch and first stage landing of a Falcon 9 rocket from
a beach on
planet
Earth's space coast.
With the launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the bright streak
beginning farthest left traces the initial phase of the rocket's flight.
A visible upward hook marks the first stage beginning its return
trajectory with a "boostback burn" near the top of the arc,
while the second stage separates and continues toward orbit.
Above the top of the launch arc due to perspective,
a bright streak shows the returning first stage slowing and descending
toward the Cape.
Centered below, the streak at the horizon is a 17 second burn
finally
slowing the first stage to a successful vertical landing about 8
minutes after launch at
Landing Zone 1.
During the scene's effective long exposure time, the background
stars leave short trails in the night sky of the
rotating planet.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: rocket - launch - landing
Publications with words: rocket - launch - landing
See also:
- APOD: 2025 February 17 B SpaceX Rocket Launch Plume over California
- APOD: 2025 January 5 B Rocket Launch as Seen from the International Space Station
- Rocket Engine Fireplace
- Sky Full of SARs
- APOD: 2024 March 12 B A Galaxy Shaped Rocket Exhaust Spiral
- Falcon Heavy Boostback Burn
- APOD: 2024 January 2 B Rocket Transits Rippling Moon