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Space enthusiast and our very own photojournalist Richard Gallagher captured a one-of-a-kind trifecta streak shot of the first SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch of 2023. In just 12 hours, the photo has been viewed and shared online approaching 1 million views total.
This image shows the Falcon Heavy rocket launching from pad 39A, its’ fight trajectory East and the descent paths of the two booster rockets just before landing at LZ1 and LZ2.
Richard, who is well known as one of the most talented photographers on the Space Coast captured the shot with diligent planning, and a lot of luck from the weather with the perfect clear sunset sky. It is truly a rare shot for so many things to align perfectly all at once.
The perfectly clear sky allowed viewers to see every stage of the launch, including the booster separation and decent with absolute clarity.
Approximately 8 minutes after liftoff, both of the Falcon 9 side boosters landed successfully back at Kennedy Space Center, providing wall shaking double sonic booms across the county.
We are truly blessed to have Richard on our team. This shot among many other amazing photos he’s captured over the years are available for purchase on his website, www.rpgphotography.art.
Here are just a few examples of his beautiful work.
