Hey everyone! I got incredibly lucky today as the rocket launch was delayed by one hour from the scheduled liftoff. This gave me extra time to explore and try to get a closer view than what I had originally wanted (A. Max Brewer Causeway). I drove down the road to Canaveral National Seashore expecting to reach a roadblock where the public can no longer pass. This is how all launches at Pad 39A have been in the past. Today, that road block didn't exist and I was shocked to be allowed into the Seashore for the first time ever during a SpaceX launch at 39A. Spectators were not allowed to walk near the fence like previous launches and a new perimeter was set up at the first wooden crossover. The best seat in the house had to be the security guard on top of what watch tower as seen in the image. If you like this photo, feel free to check out my instagram @marcuscote_photo where I am currently taking and sharing a picture every day of 2017! I capture many unique and beautiful moments that happen daily on Florida's Space Coast! Have a great day!
Was the hard landing due to improper preprogrammed parameters or needing a fourth engine to decelerate from higher velocity?
Rocket was suddenly slammed sideways right before landing. Heavy gust or something malfunctioned onboard. Reviewing telemetry.
The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a previously flown SpaceX Falcon 9, and has started firing its main thruster to propel itself toward its final circular orbit in the geostationary arc.