Details of the NROL-69 Mission

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral shortly before 2 p.m. carrying a satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). After the first stage of the rocket returned for a landing in Florida, the upper stage continued its journey northeast over Europe, placing the satellite into orbit.

Colonel Jim Horne of the NRO confirmed the satellite’s successful deployment, stating, “It hit the mark, right in the middle.”

The Mystery of the Glowing Spiral

Post-launch, a mesmerizing blue spiral cloud emerged in the skies, captivating observers from England to France and Croatia. This spiral, reminiscent of swirling galaxies, caught social media’s attention as countless photos and videos were shared.

Experts believe the phenomenon was caused by either an exhaust plume or vented fuel from the rocket’s upper stage. Following the satellite’s release, engineers likely commanded the upper stage to offload unused fuel, creating the swirling effect as it possibly rotated in the vacuum of space.

The sunlight illuminating this plume made it particularly visible against the night sky.

Public Reactions and Speculations

While the spectacle was largely well-received, some skeptics questioned the scientific explanation, with playful references made to pop culture phenomena like wormholes from “Star Trek.” One onlooker from North Lincolnshire remarked, “Looked incredible,” while another humorously dismissed the explanation with a nod to “Men In Black.”

Historical Context

This isn’t the first time such a spectacle has occurred. Similar phenomena, often dubbed the ‘space jellyfish,’ have been observed during previous rocket launches, particularly when conducted at dawn or dusk, enhancing visibility through the sunlight reflecting off exhaust clouds.

The NRO has launched over 150 satellites in the past two years, illustrating the frequency of classified missions which often leave behind such stunning visual effects.