Falcon 9 rumbled into the night sky early this morning, April 27 of 2022, with four astronauts onboard. Bound for the International Space Station, possibly the finest example of international collaboration, to help further our understanding of micro gravity and to complete science and experiments that will aid many down here on Earth.
Credit: John Pisani for Cosmic Perspective
I got to visit Kennedy Space Center yesterday afternoon to view Launch Complex 39A with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon vehicle at the pad. I placed a couple of cameras and a special microphone to capture audio from just under half a mile away from the pad.
Credit: John Pisani for Cosmic Perspective
I returned to KSC late yesterday evening to venture over to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, where the Crew-4 astronauts were suited up and then walked out to have their final goodbyes with loved ones before heading off to their ride to space, their Crew Dragon capsule named Freedom.
Credit: John Pisani for Cosmic Perspective
For the launch I ventured with a friend to a quiet spot in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Nothing but stars above and nature surrounding. I created an image with the core of our Milky Way Galaxy overlayed with the launch streak of Falcon 9 ascending into the night sky. This shot was special to me, I’ve been after it for quite a while. The blend of Milky Way photography and a rocket launch is highly sought after and many things need to coincide to cleanly execute. So mission success! Can’t wait for another one.
Credit: John Pisani for Cosmic Perspective
