SpaceX successfully launched 28 additional Starlink satellites today at 7:56 AM from SLC-40 in Florida. Booster B1083, which previously supported two crewed missions and several Starlink launches, made its 14th flight. It landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean around 8 minutes after liftoff. Also worth noting is that fairing half SN185 made its 33rd successful flight, becoming the fleet leader.
A Photographer’s Delight
Today’s mission may have seemed like a typical Falcon 9 Starlink mission for most. However, today’s mission offered a rare opportunity to capture a unique look at the launch.
Today’s four hour launch window began shortly after 7 AM. SpaceX confirmed yesterday that T-0 was set to be at 7:56 AM. Because of the launch time, a solar transit was possible. This is when the rocket passes in front of the sun. This is best done in the early morning when the sun is lower on the horizon.
A lot has to go right to achieve the solar transit shot. Most importantly, the weather has to cooperate. The clouds were beginning to come in, which made for a very unique (and eerie) transit shot.
This photo was taken along Route 1 in Titusville.
