America’s Return to Space!

by Tom Shafer

Updated June 22, 2020

Hopefully you were watching on Saturday, May 30, 2020, as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from NASA’s historic launch complex 39-A, once again carrying American astronauts (Crew Dragon) into space for the first time since the Space Shuttle missions were shuttered in July of 2011. In the first joint mission between a private agency (Elon Musk’s SpaceX) and NASA, Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley lifted off successfully at 3:22 p.m. after bad weather delayed the intended Wednesday, May 27th launch. Seventeen hours later, the crew docked with the International Space Station and were welcomed by the Expedition 63 crew already aboard. Behnken and Hurley are scheduled to remain on the ISS conducting research and performing other related tasks for approximately 110 days.

As I was watching on my computer, I snapped a few screenshots so that I could share with those of you who did not or could not watch the experience live. So, enjoy!!

  • Falcon 9 on the same pad that launched most Apollo and Space Shuttle missions
  • Astronauts waiting for launch
  • Lift-off!!!
  • Loved the split-screen views provided by NASA!
  • Nearing stage one separation
  • Stage one separation
  • Split screen shows second stage rocket (left) and the booster rocket returning to earth
  • Booster rocket firing to slow descent for landing
  • Mission Control awaiting booster landing
  • Booster landing successful on a platform in the Atlantic Ocean nine miles off the coast!
  • Second stage burn complete
  • Separation of the second stage rocket
  • Crew Dragon successfully in orbit and heading to the ISS!
Thanks to NASA and SpaceX for all of these spectacular images.


Special Note: I also added a few screenshots from the June 4th SpaceX nighttime launch of another Falcon 9 rocket that delivered sixty Starlink satellites into orbit. Once again, Mission Command was able to land the booster rocket onto a platform in the Atlantic Ocean. Who doesn’t love a launch after dark?!

  • It’s go time, Skippy!
  • Engines firing
  • Now that’s a fire!
  • Lift-off!!
  • On its way, delivering 60 communication satellites
  • Approaching booster stage separation
  • Separation complete (booster falling away on left)
  • Booster (left) firing to slow descent
  • Booster approaching platform
  • Booster nearing touchdown
  • Booster touchdown successful!!
  • The B-52’s
NASA’s newest theme song, “There’s a Moon in the Sky.”

What'cha think?