![web_spacex_falcon9_0024_2846](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4719336781_1a1e5e52b6_b.jpg)
For the maiden voyage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, I sat for four hours on a lens case, waiting for the thing to blast off. My makeshift chair was provided by James Murati, a contract photographer for United Launch Alliance, which could be considered a competitor for SpaceX in the commercial launch business. SpaceX is a leading candidate to provide cargo launch services to the International Space Station and possibly manned flights someday. This launch on June 4 was a demonstration - or test - flight for the rocket itself, and it had a high probability of failure. That's why James and I waited for four hours in the hot sun until the crew at SpaceX managed to shake off a technical glitch and finally push the button.
![web_spacex_falcon9_0033_2847](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4719336713_7a96e77013_b.jpg)
I set up my tripod and camera on the sandy shore of the Banana River - as opposed to the bank - along a stretch of Port Canaveral, the closest public viewing site for liftoffs from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. My low angle put the horizon - the launch pad - out of site. The optical illusion that my angle created made it appear as though the rocket was emerging from the river.
![web_spacex_falcon9_0056_2848](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4719336933_aca1c0477a_b.jpg)
During the entire flight, I trained my 150-500mm Sigma zoom lens on the rocket until it disappeared from view. That's because James and I both knew it could blow up. We also knew that would have made for an interesting shot.
![web_spacex_falcon9_0065_2849](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4719985654_34f3fca6db_b.jpg)
The rocket engines light up some clouds.
![web_spacex_falcon9_0075_2850](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4719985714_fb67609930_b.jpg)
The Falcon 9 is fueled by kerosene - not solid rocket fuel - so there is little smoke trail involved when it launches, much like is the case with Delta IV and Atlas V rockets without solid rocket boosters. This makes for a dull launch.
![web_spacex_falcon9_0082_2851](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4719337115_8750d8fbc3_b.jpg)
But some condensation did occur in the upper atmosphere, creating a bit of a contrail. Still, the highly probable disaster didn't materialize. And I suppose that's a good thing for the future of spaceflight.
2 comments:
Next time, get a Coleman camping chair from Walmart and keep it in your trunk. :-P
I have one, but I chose the lens case.
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