Jason Daniel Shaw

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Photographing the First Falcon 9 Heavy Operational Launch

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - CAPE CANAVERAL

Growing up in Florida I have seen so many launches, from rockets to the space shuttle, but it never gets old. I was fortunate enough to be there for work during the first operational launch of the Falcon 9 Heavy. After a delay and then a scrub on the first attempt, I was able to make it back for the next night and the actual launch.

ROCKET LAUNCH VIEWING - SPACEX LAUNCH

Now that the area along the port area (where I photographed this launch from) is closed during launches, I found a new spot just before the entrance to the Air Force base. It is a great spot because there is no obstructions between the viewing area and the launch pad. There are even bleachers and a dedicated parking area.

FALCON 9 HEAVY LAUNCH - SPACEX LAUNCH

The launch was another spectacular one and even more spectacular than last Atlas V launch because two of the three boosters returned to Cape Canaveral right in front of me. I was at Vandenberg when the first Falcon 9 booster returned to California but this was two boosters, returning at the same time. It was an amazing sight to see. I am so excited to see and capture the next rocket launch.