A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the AMOS-17 communications satellite from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 7:23 p.m. on 6 August 2019. Falcon 9’s first stage for the AMOS-17 mission previously supported the Telstar-19 VANTAGE mission in July 2018 and the Es’hail-2 mission in November 2018.

The image is a long distance view through rain clouds taken in drizzling rain that obscured the rocket but the clouds could not hide the bright flame. The photo was taken on the beach, thankfully, under a life guard stand that provided some protection from the rain.

More to come about this mission.