The condensation cloud rising in the sky after a launch. When SpaceX’s rocket engines burn fuel—typically a mix of RP-1 (a refined kerosene) and liquid oxygen—the combustion produces water vapor (along with carbon dioxide). As this hot vapor exits the engine and meets the very cold, high-altitude air, it rapidly cools and condenses into tiny droplets or ice crystals, creating the white, wispy trail. This phenomenon is similar to the contrails seen behind high-flying aircraft.
Last night, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch was hidden by the mountains for me. However the remaining vapor trail rose slowly in the sky above them. The colors photographed nicely and made me happy I just stayed outside instead of just going back in the house.
Photographed last night… SpaceX launch of the Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This is the 23rd flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-153, NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, and 13 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
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