[342/365] SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon C1 Test Launch

nobody@flickr.com (pea g.) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:06:10 -0800

pea g. posted a photo:

Wednesday, December, 2010 - 10:44 AM EST

Today was one for the record books, folks. SpaceX became the first non-governemental organization to re-enter a reusable spacecraft into Earth's atmosphere after launching it into orbit. Their Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from launch pad 40 at 10:43 AM Eastern Standard Time, boosting the Dragon spacecraft into outer space. Dragon orbited Earth twice at speeds exceeding 17,000 mph before slowing to a gentle 18 mph as it splashed down within 800 meters of its target in the Pacific Ocean, 500 miles off the coast of Southern California, roughly 3 hours and 35 minutes later.

Zack found a seemingly ideal viewing spot about 10 miles directly south of the launch pad, near Port Canaveral, with a relatively unobstructed and well-lit view. Coincidentally, the place just happened to be the front yard of none other than the SpaceX Launch Control Center! Liftoff was initially delayed at 9:06 AM. I plopped down on the grass and kept warm in my long johns and mittens.

It was difficult to see (and photograph) the rocket through the haze, even at 400mm. (I cropped this photo about 38.5%.) But it rock[et]ed!!!

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[342/365] SpaceX Falcon 9 Dragon C1 Test Launch