SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center at twilight on April 30, 2023, with the ViaSat 3 internet satellite and two other payloads. I went to Cocoa Village to try to get a shot. It was about a half hour after sunset, and I could have tried a streak shot but worried it wouldn’t be quite dark enough for the long exposure (and I didn’t have an appropriate neutral density filter).
Instead, I opted to bring out Big Bertha (the 200-500mm lens) with mixed results. Even when the photos are rough, images of these launches always have a touch of the spectacular with all the fire and color.
I love the blue in the SpaceX rocket flames.
The GoPro timelapse (shot in nightlapse mode on a Hero 8) turned out nicely. Check out the video for 45 seconds of magic.
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A pretty moon just after sunset and just before the SpaceX launch April 30.
The SpaceX Heavy launches from Kennedy Space Center, as seen from Cocoa,Florida.
Love the blue!
There are lots of colors in the SpaceX fire.
Another shot of the rocket in flight.
The departing rocket creates a starburst effect.
An iPhone shot of the contrail.
