Sunset rocket launch seen across North Carolina

ASHEBORO —  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 6:13 p.m. on Feb. 4, carrying two WorldView Legion satellites for Maxar Technologies.

Maxar, a U.S.-based company, provides high-resolution satellite imagery for commercial and government use.

The launch created a striking sight across much of eastern and central North Carolina. With sunset at 5:50 p.m., the rocket’s vapor trail appeared backlit against the evening sky as it soared northeast over the Atlantic Ocean. Many describe the vapor trail as looking like a jellyfish. 
 

Upon reaching orbit, the satellites were placed into a polar orbit, allowing them to capture images of nearly every point on Earth as the planet rotates beneath them.

Rocket launches have become increasingly common in recent years, driven by rising commercial interest in space.