#ses9

On February 27, 2016, the Deimos-2 Earth observation satellite captured this image of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for the SES-9 Mission on SLC-40 as it flew over Cape Canaveral.

Deimos-2 is capable of seeing objects as small as 2.5 feet across, making the 12-foot wide rocket easily visible. 

The satellite also captured the Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship in the landing zone out in the Atlantic Ocean March 4.

SpaceX ASDS returns with remains of SES-9 Falcon 9.

Of Course I Still Love You arrived back at Port Canaveral earlier this morning (March 8) carrying what little remains of the SES-9 Falcon 9 first stage.

SpaceX did not expect the booster to make a successful landing due to the orbital parameters of the SES-9 payload, which required most of the first stage’s fuel, leaving little for a landing attempt. The company tried a landing anyway, with the rocket reaching the Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship ten minutes after a 6:35 pm EST March 4 launch.

Unlike the previous three droneship landing attempts, video was not released of the boosters approach and landing. According to the pictures above, little of the Falcon 9 remains, indicating little of the rocket impacted the ship.

SES-9 satellite separates from Falcon 9, arrives in target orbit.

Offering a different perspective on a launch, this stunning photo shows the launch of SES-9 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, March 4, 2016. What makes this photo unique is that it was taken from the Merritt island National Wildlife Refuge Northwest of Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center. Most professional photographers are closer to the vehicle, but do not include other nearby landmarks. Patrick Anderson knew exactly where to go to get a unique and picturesque shot of the launch that stands apart from the average launch photo. It reminds me of the shot taken from a helicopter of Apollo 7 launching with the VAB in the background.