First launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket

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SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch from NASA VAB rooftop
SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch as seen from the rooftop of the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

I had the unique opportunity to witness and photograph the maiden launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch was epic and historic, sending a Tesla Roadster and “Starman” mannequin into space aboard the world’s most powerful operational rocket, all to a soundtrack of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars.”

I had three remote cameras placed at the launch pad to capture the launch, risking thousands of dollars of camera gear to get the shot. You can read about the remote camera and sound trigger setup that I used over on GeekWire. I was taking photos from the rooftop of the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) during the launch.

You can buy prints of the Falcon Heavy launch by visiting my full gallery of photos from the launch. You can also contact me for photo licensing opportunities.

Ignition of the SpaceX Merlin engines on Falcon Heavy
Falcon Heavy Merlin engines ignite with water suppression jets
Liftoff of SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch from ~1200 ft away
Liftoff of SpaceX Falcon Heavy
SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch from NASA VAB rooftop
Falcon Heavy exhaust cloud colors
The beautiful colors of the Falcon Heavy rocket exhaust.
SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch from ~1200 ft away
SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch from ~2300 ft away
Falcon Heavy propellant tank condensation
Falcon Heavy exhaust cloud colors
SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch from ~2200 ft away
SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch from ~2300 ft away
SpaceX Falcon Heavy ascends after liftoff
SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch exhaust trail
Falcon Heavy side booster landing
Falcon Heavy booster rockets fire engines for landing.
Falcon Heavy side booster landing
Simultaneous landing of Falcon Heavy booster rockets.

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Photo gallery from launch preparation

Photographers prepare for Falcon Heavy maiden launchPhotographers prepare for Falcon Heavy maiden launchPhotographers prepare for Falcon Heavy maiden launchCamera location #1 ~2200 ft away from launchpadPhotographers prepare for Falcon Heavy maiden launchCamera location #2 ~2300 ft away from launchpadSpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch T-1 DayCamera location #3 ~1200 ft away from launchpadSpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch T-1 DaySpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch T-1 DayNASA Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at sunset