Falcon 9 rocket curve

On 13 June 2020 SpaceX launched more Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit with the intention of providing global internet access. The launch provided this stunning time-lapse photograph, a common sight in SpaceX’s gallery and one which shows the path of the rocket’s trajectory.

The arc reveals different parts of a launch profile, spaced over a matter of minutes. First is the bright emission of the first-stage ignition. Next it decreases in brightness as the second, smaller stage takes over. After the satellites are placed into orbit, the blue streak shows the reusable rocket’s path back to Earth.