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OTV-5 (Falcon 9) 7 September 2017 |
Space Launch Complex 39A Kennedy Space Center |
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the OTV-5 mission into orbit for the U.S. Air Force at 10:00 a.m. on 7 September 2017 from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. About eight minutes after launch, the Falcon 9 first stage successfully landed at Landing Zone 1 at the adjacent Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This is the fifth flight of the Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), a small, winged, reusable spacecraft that looks like a tiny version of the Space Shuttle. Like the Space Shuttle, the X-37B glides back to Earth to land on a runway. OTV-5 is conducting mostly secret operations in Earth orbit with almost everything except the launch being classified. |
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Leading up to Main Engine Cutoff of the first stage's 9 Merlin engines. |
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Main Engine Cutoff and separation of the first stage. |
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The first stage maneuvers for landing as the second stage continues on into orbit with the X-37B. |
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| The first stage fires its engines briefly to slow down as it re-enters the atmosphere. Note the rocket is visible during the entry burn. | |
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After the entry burn, the rocket trails smoke and some residual flames are still visible around the engines. |
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The landing burn has begun. The final burn that brings the first stage down to a gentle landing at LZ-1. |
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The landing legs deploy moments before landing. |
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A cloud of smoke heralds touchdown of the first stage! |
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The Falcon 9 first stage standing peacefully on Landing Zone 1. |
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The now empty Pad 39A awaits its next launch. |
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