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Starlink 4-17 (Falcon 9) 6 May 2022 |
Launch Complex 39A Kennedy Space Center |
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 53 Starlink satellites into orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center at 5:42 a.m. on 6 May 2022. After stage separation, the Falcon 9’s booster landed on the Just Read The Instructions droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the 12th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew Demo-2, ANASIS-II, CRS-21, Transporter-1, Transporter-3, and now seven Starlink missions. |
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TIME EXPOSURE |
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The second stage exhaust plume was brightly lit by the Sun just below the horizon creating the space jellyfish effect. The red and white light streaks over the water are from passing fishing boats. |
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TELEPHOTO IMAGES |
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| The second stage exhaust lit by the Sun below the horizon creates the jellyfish effect. The bright glow is the second stage heading to orbit. Below that to the right is the first stage booster maneuvering for a landing. | |
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The exhaust plume twists in the upper level winds while still being lit by the Sun below the horizon. |
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