Best space photos: SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch from Kennedy Space Center

When SpaceX first launched its Falcon Heavy rocket last year, spectators stood mesmerized as the two side boosters returned for a near-simultaneous landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The center core, however, which was supposed to land on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, instead crashed in the water. 

That all changed last Thursday when SpaceX again attempted to land all three boosters, a goal that this time was successfully accomplished. 

For its second flight and its first paid mission, SpaceX launched Arabsat 6A, a Saudi Arabian commercial communications satellite designed to bring internet, TV and cellular services to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe atop a Falcon Heavy rocket on April 11 from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A. 

Take a look at some of the best photos FLORIDA TODAY photographers took of the most powerful rocket currently in operation. 

Contact Jaramillo at 321-242-3668 or antoniaj@floridatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AntoniaJ_11.

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