Photos: NASA's Florida rocket launch leaves behind dazzling clouds
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket up into space from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early on Friday, June 29.
The liftoff put on a spectacular show for early risers waking up to view the 5:42 a.m. launch.
SpaceX sent its Dragon spacecraft on the company's 15th resupply mission to the International Space Station with three tons of equipment, including science gear, supplies and a robotic, IBM-powered "floating brain" that will put artificial intelligence to use as an astronaut's assistant, according to CBS News.
Onlookers were treated to the dazzling sight of the launch, which illuminated the sky and left behind breathtaking clouds. Those on social media reported that waking up early for the pre-dawn launch was well worth it, thanks to the stunning views.
Right on schedule, the @SpaceX #Dragon has separated from its ride to space and the solar arrays have been deployed as the cargo craft is now safely on orbit heading for a Monday rendezvous with @Space_Station. Latest: https://t.co/0vrgeIOVTK pic.twitter.com/KyvdjTz42t
— NASA (@NASA) June 29, 2018
A post shared by Brent Ludlow (@brentsbeardbalm) on Jun 29, 2018 at 5:42am PDT
Space Coast resident Georgian Erickson captured this stunning image of the SpaceX launch from Merritt Island, Florida. (Twitter photo/@GE0279)
Shawn Lauer shot this heavenly image of the June 29 SpaceX launch from the Kennedy Space Center. (Instagram photo/@lauer382)
Amateur photographer Gabriel Hall shot this image of the SpaceX launch from Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Instagram photo/@g_ivan45)
#NASASocial group enjoying the view of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch this morning.
A post shared by NASAKennedy (@nasakennedy) on Jun 29, 2018 at 3:39am PDT
This image of a heart-shaped cloud left behind following the SpaceX launch was captured from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. (Instagram photo/@spirit_mind_life)
