SpaceX 7-18 Starlink launch from Vandenberg CA

[Fishing_Rod]

Greetings All,

 

Well after several days and several attempts we were able to view the SpaceX 7-18 Starlink mission launch out at Vandenburg CA. Here in SE AZ the skies were mostly over cast all day today with a storm front moving through the area. As the launch time approached there was some clearing out in the western skies. Since there was no delay and the clock was continuing towards a launch we drove out to view the launch hoping for a glimpse. Here are a few photos.

 

We were able to monitor the launch live stream and began to look. There is a bit of delay as the vehicle needed enough altitude before we were able to see it.

 

 

Later you can see the booster section falling. It is the bright spot just below the plume.

 

 

The photos are but a snap shot in time. It was really fun to see it in real time and know how fast that thing was moving across the horizon. Wow! Spectacular experience.

 

It is also so neat to know that camera technology has come such a long way. Here I'm taking low light images handheld using just my phone! Amazing!

 

Wishing each of you well and Happy April! Cheers!

 

[islandbass]

That must have been a sight to see. Wish I could have seen it myself. Thanks for sharing!

[Mike L]

One of the advantages of living in Florida is that it doesn’t take long to go to the Cape and see one up close. 
It takes your breath away. 

 

I live about 200 miles from there and on a clear night we can stand on our driveway and see the rockets and contrails when it reaches a certain point. 
 

My son lives about 20 mile south on a barrier island and after awhile he can hear it standing on his pool deck. 
 

When a Falcon Heavy or a Saturn V takes off, my granddaughter swears she can “feel” the pressure wave in her chest!

We never have but she swears she can. 
 

 

 

Mike