NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2…
“A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley onboard, Saturday, May 30, 2020, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Demo-2 mission is the first launch with astronauts of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. The test flight serves as an end-to-end demonstration of SpaceX's crew transportation system. Behnken and Hurley launched at 3:22 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 30, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. A new era of human spaceflight is set to begin as American astronauts once again launch on an American rocket from American soil to low-Earth orbit for the first time since the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011.”
Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
For the gallery of photos taken by the NASA Photographers, go here:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmNkDoh2
Photo Credits: (NASA/Bill Ingalls) & (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
Just docked safely! Thanks for sharing James, history in the making.
It was an amazing moment in American history yesterday. The first time in what seemed like an eternity that we sent an American astronaut into space in an American designed and built spacecraft from an American launch pad. It’s sad to think about what the previous administration did to gut NASA, but that’s all behind us for now.
We tried to watch the launch from our back yard but it was obscured by the clouds. Typically we can see the launches from about 20 seconds after liftoff from our house. So we watched it on our IPhone while it went up, hoping to get a peek of it as it flew through the clouds.
Those are some fantastic pictures that are provided when you follow the link you posted.
Years ago I worked at the Cape on launch pad 40 which is right next to the one that Space-X flew from yesterday. The wildlife and the natural settings that surround these launch sites are something to behold. Mother Nature at its best and the beach is also right there. It’s a beautiful setting for history to be made.
I was in the "Press Box" once during a Shuttle launch. To see it go up in person and to feel the power that is unleashed as the rocket engines ignite is something that can't be described. You have to experience it first hand. I took a photo of that launch and if I can find it, I'll post it here if you don't mind.
Thanks my friend.
“Liked”
Great pics of a HISTORIC event, James!
Thanks, my friend!
David @dirtylittlefokker, didn't want you to miss this. It's getting buried pretty quickly. Hope you are doing well.