In March 2013, whilst re-visiting and travelling around Florida I was fortunate enough to experience a rocket launch. The purpose of this rescheduled SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch was to replenish supplies and take equipment to the International Space Station (ISS). This was an unmanned cargo flight contracted to NASA that had been delayed after previous launch attempts carrying the Dragon spacecraft and launched at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on 1st March 2013.
Even though the weather was overcast it didn’t spoil the atmosphere and experience that was enjoyed by many including locals, space enthusiasts, media and press with everyone cheering the successful launch into orbit. I managed to drive to one of the nearest public viewing points available which is known for being one of the key watching spots and areas for seeing launches from NASA Space Kennedy. In the video I captured, the glowing exhaust trail of the rocket is shown in the distance, although unfortunately the video is not close up due to not having better camera / zoom facilities on the day to zoom in closer. In the background, you can also hear the numerous shutters clicking on the cameras of everyone else present as well as the film crews.
Due to getting this opportunity to experience a rocket launch, I feel I’ve fulfilled one of my all time childhood and life ambitions to watch a rocket in real life. If you happen to get the opportunity to see a rocket launch then I’d highly recommend it, even if it’s on a cloudy day as I experienced!
View the embedded video clip below:
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