SpaceX launched fifty-nine small satellites along with experiments on Wednesday, May 25, 2002 at 2:35 p.m. EDT (1835 GMT) from Cape Canaveral using a Falcon 9 rocket. After staging, the Falcon booster returned to Cape Canaveral Space Station and landing about eight-and-a-half minutes later.
Falcon 9 Rising at 2:35 p.m. EDT (1835Z) from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Shedding frozen condensation from its sides, Falcon 9 begins its climb to space. This photo is not downsized, in case anyone wants to print it.
©2022 Charles Boyer / (click to enlarge)
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Shedding frozen condensation from its sides, Falcon 9 begins its climb to space.
©2022 Charles Boyer / (click to enlarge)
Max-Q is the point when Falcon 9 reaches maximum dynamic pressure and condensation from the flame plume forms.
©2022 Charles Boyer / (click to enlarge)
After completing its job and dropping off, the first stage of Falcon 9 returned to SpaceX’s Landing Zone at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Here, it has reignited its engines as it begins to slow in preparation for landing. Look closely at the bottom of the rocket plume — you can clearly see where the air resists Falcon 9’s downward motion. This photo was made from about 7-8 miles of distance.
©2022 Charles Boyer / (click to enlarge)
Falcon 9 Rising at 2:35 p.m. EDT (1835Z) from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
©2022 Charles Boyer / (click to enlarge)