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SpaceX’s first flight-proven Falcon Heavy Block 5 launch and landing in photos

A remote camera set up by Teslarati photographer Pauline Acalin captured this incredible view of all 27 Merlin 1D engines powering Falcon Heavy's first stage. (Pauline Acalin)

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6 years ago

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Aside from center core B1057’s unfortunate demise, Falcon Heavy’s third launch was a huge success, placing two dozen satellites into three separate orbits over the course of nearly four hours.

Described as SpaceX’s most challenging launch ever, successfully completing the mission – known as Space Test Program-2 – has hopefully helped to guarantee that the US Department of Defense will fully certify Falcon Heavy for high-value military launches. SpaceX already has two such missions on its 2020/2021 launch manifest, although both are dependent upon the US Air Force deciding that the company’s newest rocket is ready. Teslarati photographers Pauline Acalin and Tom Cross were both on site to capture Falcon Heavy’s spectacular third launch, hopefully a sign of things to come as space agencies and commercial markets begin to warm to the new launch capabilities offered by the SpaceX rocket.

https://twitter.com/_TomCross_/status/1143418512205127681

With the frenzied launch and landing now complete, we can look back through an array of photos produced over the course of Falcon Heavy’s STP-2 mission. Tom and Pauline (as well as dozens of other press photographers) endured hellish Florida humidity, heat, and mosquitos from start to finish, thankfully pushing through the environment to capture amazing photos of Falcon Heavy before and during launch.

STP-2 marked the first time two flight-proven Block 5 Falcon Heavy boosters were simultaneously re-launched on a later FH mission, as well as the first time the US military has flown a dedicated SpaceX mission with any kind of flight-proven Falcon – let alone two of them. Both side boosters performed flawlessly, while – for the third time in a row – the new center core was sadly unable to return to port aboard drone ship Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY).

The first Block 5 version of Falcon Heavy prepares for its launch debut.
Falcon Heavy Flight 2 utilized side boosters B1052 and B1053 and center core B1055. (SpaceX)
Falcon Heavy Flight 2. The booster in the middle - B1055 - was effectively sheared in half after tipping over aboard drone ship OCISLY. (Pauline Acalin)
Falcon Heavy Flight 2, April 11th, 2019. (Pauline Acalin)
Falcon Heavy Flight 3 - comprised of boosters B1052, B1053, and B1057 - is lifted before installation on Pad 39A's transporter/erector (T/E), June 2019. (SpaceX)
Falcon Heavy Flight 3 made use of both flight-proven side boosters and a new center core. Note the scorched landing legs and sooty exteriors. (SpaceX)
Falcon Heavy Flight 3, vertical at Pad 39A on June 24th. (Tom Cross)

Incredibly, despite the fact that SpaceX had the USAF, NASA, and the future of Falcon Heavy’s US military launch career hanging on the line, the company’s engineers and technicians were able to pull off quite the feat, turning side boosters B1052 and B1053 around for a second launch just 74 days after their April 11th debut. In other words, despite the countless hurdles, the dual side booster reuse tied and nearly beat SpaceX’s current reusability records (71 days overall, 74 days for Block 5). This bodes extremely well for record-smashing rapid refuses of Falcon 9 boosters in the near future.

With their second launches now snuggly under their belts, B1052 and B1053 will very likely be converted into regular Falcon 9 boosters and enter into circulation as part of SpaceX’s flight-proven Falcon 9 fleet. With the ex-side boosters, that fleet could soon stand at an impressive eight flightworthy rockets, all nearing readiness or already ready for their next launches.

The first Falcon Heavy Block 5 rocket lifts off from Pad 39A on April 11th. Both side boosters were reused on Flight 3, also known as STP-2. (Pauline Acalin)
Falcon Heavy lifts off from Pad 39A on its third launch ever. (Tom Cross)

Falcon Heavy’s second successful launch in 11 weeks is nevertheless a touch bittersweet, as the rocket’s next (fourth) launch – barring mystery interim missions – is scheduled no earlier than fall 2020, 15-18 months from now. After that Q4 2020 launch, known as AFSPC-44, Falcon Heavy has another three firm contracts with launches in 2021, followed by a tentative fourth contract with Inmarsat that still needs to be finalized. For now, we’ll have to savor Falcon Heavy’s STP-2 launch – likely the last for quite some time.

Check out galleries of Pauline and Tom’s excellent photos of the massive SpaceX rocket below.

  • Falcon Heavy readies for its second launch in 11 weeks, June 24th. (Pauline Acalin)
  • Falcon Heavy’s metal-capped payload fairing glints in the sun, loaded with 24 satellites as part of the USAF STP-2 rideshare mission. (Pauline Acalin)
  • Falcon Heavy Flight 3 bares one of its two sooty, flight-proven side boosters. (Pauline Acalin)
  • The weather in Florida was horrifically hot and humid, as usual. (Tom Cross)
  • (NASA – Kim Shiflett)
  • (Pauline Acalin)
  • A long-exposure captured this spectacular view of Falcon Heavy’s launch, side booster and core stage separation, upper stage ignition, side booster reentry burns, and side booster landing burns – all in one frame. (Tom Cross)
  • Liftoff! (Tom Cross)
  • Falcon Heavy lifts off from Pad 39A on its third launch ever. Sadly, center core B1057 was unable to stick its drone ship landing. (Tom Cross)
  • Pad 39A’s Crew Access Arm (CAA) glows blue as Falcon Heavy takes flight. (Tom Cross)
  • A remote camera set up by Teslarati photographer Pauline Acalin captured this incredible view of all 27 Merlin 1D engines powering Falcon Heavy’s first stage. (Pauline Acalin)

Want to remember the awesomeness of Falcon Heavy every single day? Consider a limited-edition set of high-quality prints, signed by both Teslarati photographers to commemorate the rocket’s inaugural Starman launch.

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Eric Ralph is Teslarati's senior spaceflight reporter and has been covering the industry in some capacity for almost half a decade, largely spurred in 2016 by a trip to Mexico to watch Elon Musk reveal SpaceX's plans for Mars in person. Aside from spreading interest and excitement about spaceflight far and wide, his primary goal is to cover humanity's ongoing efforts to expand beyond Earth to the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere.

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Tesla Supercharger Diner food menu gets a sneak peek as construction closes out

What are you ordering at the Tesla Diner?

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9 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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Credit: BradGoldbergMD | X

The Tesla Supercharger Diner in Los Angeles is nearing completion as construction appears to be winding down significantly. However, the more minor details, such as what the company will serve at its 50s-style diner for food, are starting to be revealed.

Tesla’s Supercharger Diner is set to open soon, seven years after CEO Elon Musk first drafted the idea in a post on X in 2018. Musk has largely come through on most of what he envisioned for the project: the diner, the massive movie screens, and the intended vibe are all present, thanks to the aerial and ground footage shared on social media.

We already know the Diner will be open 24/7, based on decals placed on the front door of the restaurant that were shared earlier this week. We assume that Tesla Optimus will come into play for these long and uninterrupted hours.

The Tesla Diner is basically finished—here’s what it looks like

As far as the food, Tesla does have an email also printed on the front door of the Diner, but we did not receive any response back (yet) about what cuisine it will be offering. We figured it would be nothing fancy and it would be typical diner staples: burgers, fries, wings, milkshakes, etc.

According to pictures taken by @Tesla_lighting_, which were shared by Not a Tesla App, the food will be just that: quick and affordable meals that diners do well. It’s nothing crazy, just typical staples you’d find at any diner, just with a Tesla twist:

As the food menu is finalized, we will be sure to share any details Tesla provides, including a full list of what will be served and its prices.

Additionally, the entire property appears to be nearing its final construction stages, and it seems it may even be nearing completion. The movie screens are already up and showing videos of things like SpaceX launches.

There are many cars already using the Superchargers at the restaurant, and employees inside the facility look to be putting the finishing touches on the interior.

It’s almost reminiscent of a Tesla version of a Buc-ee’s, a southern staple convenience store that offers much more than a traditional gas station. Of course, Tesla’s version is futuristic and more catered to the company’s image, but the idea is the same.

It’s a one-stop shop for anything you’d need to recharge as a Tesla owner. Los Angeles building permits have not yet revealed the date for the restaurant’s initial operation, but Tesla may have its eye on a target date that will likely be announced during next week’s Earnings Call.

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News

Tesla’s longer Model Y did not scale back requests for this vehicle type from fans

Tesla fans are happy with the new Model Y, but they’re still vocal about the need for something else.

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1 day ago

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July 17, 2025

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Credit: AlwinArt/Twitter

Tesla launched a slightly longer version of the Model Y all-electric crossover in China, and with it being extremely likely that the vehicle will make its way to other markets, including the United States, fans are still looking for something more.

The new Model Y L in China boasts a slightly larger wheelbase than its original version, giving slightly more interior room with a sixth seat, thanks to a third row.

Tesla exec hints at useful and potentially killer Model Y L feature

Tesla has said throughout the past year that it would focus on developing its affordable, compact models, which were set to begin production in the first half of the year. The company has not indicated whether it met that timeline or not, but many are hoping to see unveilings of those designs potentially during the Q3 earnings call.

However, the modifications to the Model Y, which have not yet been officially announced for any markets outside of China, still don’t seem to be what owners and fans are looking forward to. Instead, they are hoping for something larger.

A few months ago, I reported on the overall consensus within the Tesla community that the company needs a full-size SUV, minivan, or even a cargo van that would be ideal for camping or business use.

Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast

That mentality still seems very present amongst fans and owners, who state that a full-size SUV with enough seating for a larger family, more capability in terms of cargo space for camping or business operation, and something to compete with gas cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or electric ones like the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ.

We asked the question on X, and Tesla fans were nearly unanimously in support of a larger SUV or minivan-type vehicle for the company’s lineup:

Here’s what some of the respondents said:

Tesla is certainly aware that many of its owners would like the company to develop something larger that competes with the large SUVs on the market.

However, it has not stated that anything like that is in the current plans for future vehicles, as it has made a concerted effort to develop Robotaxi alongside the affordable, compact models that it claims are in development.

It has already unveiled the Robovan, a people-mover that can seat up to 20 passengers in a lounge-like interior.

The Robovan will be completely driverless, so it’s unlikely we will see it before the release of a fully autonomous Full Self-Driving suite from Tesla.

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Energy

Tesla launches first Virtual Power Plant in UK – get paid to use solar

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom.

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1 day ago

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July 17, 2025

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Credit: Tesla Energy | X

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom. This feature enables users of solar panels and energy storage systems to sell their excess energy back to the grid.

Tesla is utilizing Octopus Energy, a British renewable energy company that operates in multiple markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, as the provider for the VPP launch in the region.

The company states that those who enroll in the program can earn up to £300 per month.

Tesla has operated several VPP programs worldwide, most notably in California, Texas, Connecticut, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. This is not the first time Tesla has operated a VPP outside the United States, as there are programs in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

This is its first in the UK:

Tesla is not the only company that is working with Octopus Energy in the UK for the VPP, as it joins SolarEdge, GivEnergy, and Enphase as other companies that utilize the Octopus platform for their project operations.

It has been six years since Tesla launched its first VPP, as it started its first in Australia back in 2019. In 2024, Tesla paid out over $10 million to those participating in the program.

Tesla VPP program in California hits new capacity milestone

Participating in the VPP program that Tesla offers not only provides enrolled individuals with the opportunity to earn money, but it also contributes to grid stabilization by supporting local energy grids.

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