SphereX and Punch

 

SphereX and Punch on their rocket ride. First stage. Goleta, CA. Leica M11 w 18mm Super-Elmar

It's been a busy period for me professionally as well as celestially. Between commercial clients, I managed to get out and photograph two events that I almost missed. First was the launch of NASA's SphereX and Punch satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg SFB. Second was the total lunar eclipse, which I will make a separate post about. 

The launch was delayed several nights in a row. I was prepared to shoot it the initial date, but unable to make the second or third reschedules. I was walking on the bluffs at sunset on the final night of the launch window when I realized it was likely going to happen. I hurried back to the house to load up gear, grab some food, then literally RUN back out to the point. I had exactly two minutes and thirty seven seconds when I arrived to get set up. Enough time, but not as much as I'd like. 

Exhaust plume of the second stage, illuminated by a sliver of remaining sun. Canon R w EF 100-400

Of course, I brought 3 cameras. None were set quite the way I had envisioned in my mind, but that's what I get for never planning. I spent the most time setting up the Leica for the lead shot, but would have taken a little more time in framing and setting a longer exposure. I had a Canon R with the 100-400 set up for mostly handheld. Should you be holding such a long lens and shooting in the dark? No. Not ideal. But again, it's what I had and made it work. The one below was with a relatively new fisheye lens on a little Canon M3. This was more of a funsies experiment. Again, wished I had the time to figure out how to set this stupid thing for a several minute exposure to have recorded the whole event. And framed properly. Is it even level? Who knows. Not my greatest work, but not bad, all things considered. 

Fisheye for fun. Canon M3 w/ 7.5mm Koah 2.8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I find it amazing to live in a time when these rockets are launching off into space - and returning back to earth - all the time. They seem to be scheduled every other week or so, and people don't even bat any eye anymore. Old news. Seen 'em. I was out there alone that night.

While most of the launch times aren't photogenic, there will be plenty more for me to keep practicing on. Next time, I'll try to be more prepared. 

Faint rocket trail and exhaust plume illuminated by moonlight over the Pacific. Leica M11 w 18mm Super-Elmar

First stage booster returning to Vandenberg launch pad. Canon R w 100-400