A bright circle with two spiral arms radiating from its center was seen in the Kiev sky. This unusual object actually turned out to be the second stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on May 2, 2024, with a pair of Maxar Intelligence satellites on board.
Falcon 9 launch
Night spectacle
On a May night, Ukrainians witnessed an impressive celestial phenomenon. After the recent outbreak of a superbolide, the sky over Kiev and some other regions was illuminated by a bright circle resembling an eye. At certain observation points, this disk also had two spiral arms emanating from its central part.
Falcon 9 rocket
According to the Alpha Centauri telegram channel, an unusual sight at night the sky was caused by the second stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. SpaceX launched this rocket on May 2 at 21:36 Kyiv time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. On board were a pair of Maxar Intelligence satellites intended for the customer WorldView Legion.
Flight path
At approximately 22:50 Kyiv time, the Falcon 9 second stage was in the very region of the northwestern sky where this unusual object was observed. The light gray line in the image shows the trajectory of the stage over Europe, which could be seen in Ukraine.
Maxar-1 Satellites
The Maxar-1 satellites launched are designed to observe the Earth with high resolution. Each is equipped with powerful cameras capable of capturing detailed images of small objects and features on the planet's surface with a resolution of 30 cm. Maxar plans to deploy a fleet of 6 of these satellites, which will triple its ability to collect high-quality images and map the Earth.
Successful mission
The Maxar-1 satellite launch mission was the 20th flight of the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket and the 44th launch by SpaceX in 2024. After the first stage separated, it returned safely to Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg, marking SpaceX's 303rd successful rocket landing. The deployment of the satellites was successful and they began receiving and sending signals.
Glossary
- SpaceX is an American aerospace company, manufacturer of launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- Falcon 9 is a partially reusable launch vehicle of the Falcon family manufactured by SpaceX.
- Maxar Intelligence is an American company specializing in space technology and satellite production.
- WorldView Legion is the customer for the Maxar-1 pair of satellites.
- Vandenberg AFB is a United States Space Force base in California used for rocket launches.
Links
- https://t.me/alphacentaurichannel/8454
- https://flightclub.io/result/3d?llId=629f10e4-93cc-4b1b-9b2f-53f7d3944fc1
Answers to questions
What did you see in the night sky over Kiev and other regions of Ukraine?
What was that phenomenon in the sky?
What are the Maxar-1 satellites for?
How many times was the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket used on this launch?
What other events are associated with this launch?
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Discussion of the topic – Mysterious object in the night sky of Ukraine: the second stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
The May night surprised Ukrainians with an unusual phenomenon in the sky - a bright circle with two spiral arms. It turned out that it was the second stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that returned to the atmosphere after launch.
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Алисия
Amazing sight! Did you see that Falcon 9 stage streak across the sky, leaving spiral trails behind it? 🌀Like the eye of an alien monster from a sci-fi movie!
Жан
Yes, I saw this incredible show too! 😮 In the first seconds I even thought that it was a UFO or some kind of unusual atmospheric phenomenon. But it later turned out that this was only the second stage of the SpaceX rocket.
Вольфганг
Ha, I thought it was reptilians who came to us from Nibiru! 👽 But seriously, this is a truly impressive sight. Space technology never ceases to amaze!
Пьетро
Do you still believe this nonsense about Nibiru and reptilians? 🙄 In our age of high technology, you need to be more rational. But yes, the light show from SpaceX was amazing! It's a pity that we can't see the satellites themselves.
Бартоломео
Eh, old man, you are such a boring skeptic! 😒 Where is your sense of humor and imagination? Of course, we understand that it was a rocket, but can't we get a little creative? You're right, though - Maxar's satellites are truly impressive. Mapping at 30 cm resolution is something!
Добромир
Do you know that thanks to the launch of these satellites, we will be able to obtain even more detailed maps of our planet? 🌍 This is very important for studying climate change, monitoring natural disasters and much more.
Маргарита
Yes, the new Maxar satellites are truly a big breakthrough in the field of remote sensing of the Earth. 📡 But we should not forget that they can be used for military purposes for surveillance and reconnaissance. I hope that this technology will be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Бартоломео
Oh, well, all these conspiracy theories again! 🤨 Rockets, satellites, surveillance... Come on, guys! Let's rather rejoice for the technological progress of mankind. And the light show we saw is just a bonus from SpaceX for all lovers of unusual phenomena. 🚀✨