Liftoff for Inmarsat-5 F4!
On May 15, 2017, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Inmarsat-5 F4 communications satellite into orbit from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. See launch photos here.
Launch Streak
This long-exposure view shows the stunning launch of the Falcon 9 as evening sets in at its Cape Canaveral, Florida launch site.
A Beautiful Launch
A stunning view of SpaecX's launch of Inmarsat-5 F4. SpaceX did not return the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage to Earth in a landing on this mission due to the size of the Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite.
Ascent
A close-up view of the Falcon 9 lifting off from NASA's historic launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The launch was SpaceX's first for customer Inmarsat.
Liftoff for Falcon 9, Inmarsat-5 F4
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 15, 2017.
Falcon 9 Rising
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Inmarsat-5 F4 communications satellite rise off the launch pad on May 15, 2017.
Goodbye, Earth
The Falcon 9 rocket and Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite continue to climb into the Florida skies on May 15, 2017.
Burning Bright
Close-up of the Falcon 9’s first-stage engines burning brightly shortly after liftoff.
Rocket’s-Eye Views
The view from the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage (left) and second stage (right) a little more than 3 minutes after liftoff on May 15, 2017.
Falcon 9, Inmarsat-5 F4 Satellite Just Before Launch
The Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite and its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sit on the pad just minutes before the duo’s May 15, 2017 liftoff.
Falcon 9 Ready to Launch
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands ready to launch the Inmarsat-5 F4 communications satellite on May 15, 2017.