Space photos: Stunning images you have to see

USA TODAY
Members of the media watch and photograph a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy as the service tower rolls back in preparation for launch Thursday, March 28, 2024 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Members of the media watch and photograph a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy as the service tower rolls back in preparation for launch Thursday, March 28, 2024 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/ USA TODAY Network
Launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday, March 4, 2024. The rocket is carrying Starlink satellites on Mission 6-41. Rocket viewed over the skyline of Cocoa Beach.
Launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday, March 4, 2024. The rocket is carrying Starlink satellites on Mission 6-41. Rocket viewed over the skyline of Cocoa Beach.
MALCOLM DENEMARK, FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
The retired space shuttle Endeavour is hoisted into place for display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 29, 2024. The space shuttle flew its final mission in May 2011. The shuttleÕs lift and placement is the grand finale of California Science CenterÕs ÒGo for StackÓÑthe complex process of installing Endeavour in a 20-story-tall vertical display.
The retired space shuttle Endeavour is hoisted into place for display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 29, 2024. The space shuttle flew its final mission in May 2011. The shuttleÕs lift and placement is the grand finale of California Science CenterÕs ÒGo for StackÓÑthe complex process of installing Endeavour in a 20-story-tall vertical display.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Monday, January 8, 2024. This is the inaugural launch of the rocket, carrying Astrobotic's lunar lander.
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Monday, January 8, 2024. This is the inaugural launch of the rocket, carrying Astrobotic's lunar lander.
Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket flies across the face of the moon after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center FL Thursday, December 28, 2023. The rocket, carrying the X-37B spaceplane for the US Space Force, lifted off at 8:07pm EST.
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket flies across the face of the moon after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center FL Thursday, December 28, 2023. The rocket, carrying the X-37B spaceplane for the US Space Force, lifted off at 8:07pm EST.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
SpaceX launch of a Falcon 9 rocket on the 6-29 Starlink mission, launched from from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Rocket launched at 2:47 a.m. EST Wednesday, Nov. 22nd. The Falcon 9 will deploy a batch of 23 Starlink internet satellites. Launch viewed from the end of Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach.
SpaceX launch of a Falcon 9 rocket on the 6-29 Starlink mission, launched from from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Rocket launched at 2:47 a.m. EST Wednesday, Nov. 22nd. The Falcon 9 will deploy a batch of 23 Starlink internet satellites. Launch viewed from the end of Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach.
Malcolm Denemark, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
A yoga class in Cape Canaveral seems oblivious to the launch of a ULA Atlas V rocket on the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 Mission for the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket launched from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. on September 10, 2023.
A yoga class in Cape Canaveral seems oblivious to the launch of a ULA Atlas V rocket on the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 Mission for the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket launched from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. on September 10, 2023.
MALCOLM DENEMARK, FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
Launch of a SpaceX Falcom 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites on its 6-12 mission, launched from Launch Complex Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center at 10:47 p.m. EDT Sunday, September 3rd.
Launch of a SpaceX Falcom 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites on its 6-12 mission, launched from Launch Complex Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center at 10:47 p.m. EDT Sunday, September 3rd.
MALCOLM DENEMARK, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Thursday, August 31, 2023. The rocket is carrying 22 Starlink satellites.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Thursday, August 31, 2023. The rocket is carrying 22 Starlink satellites.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Thursday, June 22, 2023 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.
United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Thursday, June 22, 2023 carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Craig Bailey, Florida Today/USA TODAY NETWORK
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Sunday, June 4, 2023. The rocket, carrying 22 second generation V2 Mini Starlink satellites, is the first of two launches scheduled for today.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Sunday, June 4, 2023. The rocket, carrying 22 second generation V2 Mini Starlink satellites, is the first of two launches scheduled for today.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Sunday, May 14, 2023 carrying a batch of Starlink satellites.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Sunday, May 14, 2023 carrying a batch of Starlink satellites.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY
The SpaceX Starship explodes after launch for a flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on April 20, 2023. The rocket successfully blasted off at 8:33 am Central Time. The Starship capsule had been scheduled to separate from the first-stage rocket booster three minutes into the flight but separation failed to occur and the rocket blew up.
The SpaceX Starship explodes after launch for a flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on April 20, 2023. The rocket successfully blasted off at 8:33 am Central Time. The Starship capsule had been scheduled to separate from the first-stage rocket booster three minutes into the flight but separation failed to occur and the rocket blew up.
PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP Via Getty Images
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Monday, February 27, 2023. The rocket is carrying 21 Starlink V2 satellites.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Monday, February 27, 2023. The rocket is carrying 21 Starlink V2 satellites.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket passes in front of the waning moon after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Sunday, February 12, 2023. The rocket is carrying 55 Starlink internet satellites. SpaceX has now flown 69 missions carrying the satellites into orbit.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket passes in front of the waning moon after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Sunday, February 12, 2023. The rocket is carrying 55 Starlink internet satellites. SpaceX has now flown 69 missions carrying the satellites into orbit.
Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY
Launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket  for OneWeb at 11:50 p.m. EST January 9. and landing of the booster at Landing Zone 1. The Rocket launched from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with the booster landing at Landing Zone 1 at CCSFS. The waning Gibbous moon was in the sky.
Launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for OneWeb at 11:50 p.m. EST January 9. and landing of the booster at Landing Zone 1. The Rocket launched from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with the booster landing at Landing Zone 1 at CCSFS. The waning Gibbous moon was in the sky.
MALCOLM DENEMARK, FLORIDA TODAY
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Saturday, September 24, 2022. The rocket is carrying 52 Starlink satellites.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Saturday, September 24, 2022. The rocket is carrying 52 Starlink satellites.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/ USA TODAY Network
Launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket  Friday, Aug. 19, carrying a batch of Starlink satellites. The rocket was launched from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.The flight marks the 57th for the internet constellation and Florida's 36th of the year.
Launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Friday, Aug. 19, carrying a batch of Starlink satellites. The rocket was launched from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.The flight marks the 57th for the internet constellation and Florida's 36th of the year.
MALCOLM DENEMARK, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
The first full moon in June, called the Strawberry Moon, sets over the Orion capsule atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket just before dawn at Kennedy Space Center, FL  Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
The first full moon in June, called the Strawberry Moon, sets over the Orion capsule atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket just before dawn at Kennedy Space Center, FL Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
Craig Bailey, /FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is rolled out from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center early Monday, June 6, 2022. The vehicle is bound for Pad 39B where it will undergo a series of pre-launch tests known as a wet dress rehearsal.
NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is rolled out from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center early Monday, June 6, 2022. The vehicle is bound for Pad 39B where it will undergo a series of pre-launch tests known as a wet dress rehearsal.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
NASA's Space Launch System rocket is transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The vehicle, which went through prelaunch testing on Pad 39B is headed back for repairs prior to retesting.
NASA's Space Launch System rocket is transported back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center Tuesday, April 26, 2022. The vehicle, which went through prelaunch testing on Pad 39B is headed back for repairs prior to retesting.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
The sun rises over Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, where NASA’s SLS rocket sits further testing ahead of a potential launch to the moon.
The sun rises over Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, where NASA’s SLS rocket sits further testing ahead of a potential launch to the moon.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
The sun rises over Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Sunday, March 27, 2022, where NASA’s SLS rocket sits awaiting testing ahead of a potential launch to the moon.
The sun rises over Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Sunday, March 27, 2022, where NASA’s SLS rocket sits awaiting testing ahead of a potential launch to the moon.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY/USA TODAY Network
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Sunday, March 14, 2021. The rocket is carrying 60 Starlink communications satellites.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Sunday, March 14, 2021. The rocket is carrying 60 Starlink communications satellites.
Craig Bailey, Florida Today/USA TODAY NETWORK
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Aug. 8, 2019 carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military.
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Aug. 8, 2019 carrying the AEHF 5 communications satellite for the U.S. military.
Craig Bailey, USA TODAY NETWORK
The Soyuz booster rocket with Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft is being rolled out to the launch pad by train at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, July 18, 2019. The launch of the mission is scheduled on July 20, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The Soyuz booster rocket with Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft is being rolled out to the launch pad by train at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, July 18, 2019. The launch of the mission is scheduled on July 20, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Yuri Kochetkov, EPA-EFE
An image of an aurora taken on June 13, 2019, from aboard the International Space Station, by NASA astronaut Christina Koch, saying: "Years ago at the South Pole, I looked up to the aurora for inspiration through the 6-month winter night, now I know they're just as awe inspiring from above.
An image of an aurora taken on June 13, 2019, from aboard the International Space Station, by NASA astronaut Christina Koch, saying: "Years ago at the South Pole, I looked up to the aurora for inspiration through the 6-month winter night, now I know they're just as awe inspiring from above.
Christina Koch, NASA Via AFP/Getty Images
NASA astronaut Christina Koch assists fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Anne McClain  in their spacesuits shortly before they begin the first spacewalk of their careers, aboard the International Space Station (ISS), March, 22, 2019  NASA cancelled the first all-female spacewalk which was scheduled for March 29,  2019, citing spacesuit issues.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch assists fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Anne McClain in their spacesuits shortly before they begin the first spacewalk of their careers, aboard the International Space Station (ISS), March, 22, 2019 NASA cancelled the first all-female spacewalk which was scheduled for March 29, 2019, citing spacesuit issues.
NASA, EPA-EFE
This NASA photo shows the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft that launched three new Expedition 59-60 crew members to the International Space Station as it docked to the Rassvet module on March 15, 2019. Cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin from Roscosmos commanded the Soyuz crew ship flanked by NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Christina Koch during the five-hour, 47-minute trip that began at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
This NASA photo shows the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft that launched three new Expedition 59-60 crew members to the International Space Station as it docked to the Rassvet module on March 15, 2019. Cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin from Roscosmos commanded the Soyuz crew ship flanked by NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Christina Koch during the five-hour, 47-minute trip that began at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
NASA Via AFP/Getty Images
The Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft with crew members of Expedition 59/60  Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Nick Hague lists off from the launch pad at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on March 15,  2019. Hague, Koch, and Ovchinin will spend six-and-a-half months living and working aboard the International Space Station.
The Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft with crew members of Expedition 59/60 Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Nick Hague lists off from the launch pad at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on March 15, 2019. Hague, Koch, and Ovchinin will spend six-and-a-half months living and working aboard the International Space Station.
Sergei Ilnitsky, EPA-EFE
NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, a member of the International Space Station expedition 59/60, gestures from inside a bus during a farewell ceremony outside the Cosmonaut hotel prior to the launch onboard the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft from the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 14, 2019.
NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, a member of the International Space Station expedition 59/60, gestures from inside a bus during a farewell ceremony outside the Cosmonaut hotel prior to the launch onboard the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft from the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 14, 2019.
Kirill Kudryavtsev, AFP/Getty Images
An Orthodox priest blesses the Russian Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft on the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, 14 March 2019. Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Nick Hague will launch March 14, 2019.
An Orthodox priest blesses the Russian Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft on the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, 14 March 2019. Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Nick Hague will launch March 14, 2019.
SERGEI ILNITSKY, EPA-EFE
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule aboard the support ship Go Searcher, returns to Port Canaveral March 9, 2019. The capsule, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket last week, made a trip to the International Space Station before returning to Earth.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule aboard the support ship Go Searcher, returns to Port Canaveral March 9, 2019. The capsule, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket last week, made a trip to the International Space Station before returning to Earth.
Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY, USA TODAY NETWORK
Former Aastronaut Buzz Aldrin salutes after being introduced at the 2019 State of the Union address in Washington D.C. Feb 5, 2019.
Former Aastronaut Buzz Aldrin salutes after being introduced at the 2019 State of the Union address in Washington D.C. Feb 5, 2019.
John Shinkle, U.S. Senate Photographic Studio Via NASA
NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, Expedition 38 Flight Engineer, participates in the second of two spacewalks, spread over a four-day period, which were designed to allow the crew to change out a degraded pump module on the exterior of the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, Dec. 24, 2013.
NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, Expedition 38 Flight Engineer, participates in the second of two spacewalks, spread over a four-day period, which were designed to allow the crew to change out a degraded pump module on the exterior of the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, Dec. 24, 2013.
NASA
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard as it is rolled out of the horizontal integration facility at Launch Complex 39A Feb. 28, 2019 at the Kennedy Space Center in Fla.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard as it is rolled out of the horizontal integration facility at Launch Complex 39A Feb. 28, 2019 at the Kennedy Space Center in Fla.
Handout, Getty Images
The Russian Soyuz booster rocket FG with Soyuz MS-07 spacecraft lifts off from the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Dec. 17,  2017.
The Russian Soyuz booster rocket FG with Soyuz MS-07 spacecraft lifts off from the launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Dec. 17, 2017.
MAXIM SHIPENKOV, EPA-EFE
This is the Virgin Galactic spaceship VSS Unityafter release from the WhiteKnightToo launch vehicle as it heads towards spaced over Mojave, Calif.  Feb. 33, 2019. According to the company the vehicle made its second successful space flight with three astronauts aboard as the hybrid rocket motor propelled the spaceship at Mach 3.04 to an apogee of 55.87 miles above the earth.
This is the Virgin Galactic spaceship VSS Unityafter release from the WhiteKnightToo launch vehicle as it heads towards spaced over Mojave, Calif. Feb. 33, 2019. According to the company the vehicle made its second successful space flight with three astronauts aboard as the hybrid rocket motor propelled the spaceship at Mach 3.04 to an apogee of 55.87 miles above the earth.
VRIGIN GALACTIC, EPA-EFE
The SpaceX’s Dragon capsule is retrieved by a recovery ship after its splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, March 8, 2019. The Crew Dragon Demo-1 docked autonomously to the orbiting laboratory, a historic first for a commercially built and operated US crewed spacecraft.
The SpaceX’s Dragon capsule is retrieved by a recovery ship after its splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, March 8, 2019. The Crew Dragon Demo-1 docked autonomously to the orbiting laboratory, a historic first for a commercially built and operated US crewed spacecraft.
NASA TV, EPA-EFE
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from NASA's pad 39A from Viera, Fla. March 2, 2019.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from NASA's pad 39A from Viera, Fla. March 2, 2019.
Tim Short, USA TODAY NETWORK
The Soyuz MS-05 space capsule carrying the International Space Station crew lands in a remote area outside the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, Dec. 14, 2017.
The Soyuz MS-05 space capsule carrying the International Space Station crew lands in a remote area outside the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, Dec. 14, 2017.
DMITRY LOVETSKY, AFP/Getty Images
Russia's Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft carrying the members of the International Space Station blasts off from the launch pad at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Baikonur.  Oct. 11, 2018.
Russia's Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft carrying the members of the International Space Station blasts off from the launch pad at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Baikonur. Oct. 11, 2018.
KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP/Getty Images
The Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with Cygnus resupply spacecraft onboard, launches from Pad-0A of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Nov. 2, 2019, in Wallops Island,Va. Northrop Grummans 12th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station will deliver about 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew.
The Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with Cygnus resupply spacecraft onboard, launches from Pad-0A of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Nov. 2, 2019, in Wallops Island,Va. Northrop Grummans 12th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station will deliver about 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew.
Bill Ingalls, NASA/AFP Via Getty Images
This NASA handout image released Nov. 6, 2019 shows the US Cygnus space freighter from Northrop Grumman  pictured in the grips of the Canadarm2 robotic arm as it was installed to the Unity module for 70 days of cargo transfers on November 4, 2019.
This NASA handout image released Nov. 6, 2019 shows the US Cygnus space freighter from Northrop Grumman pictured in the grips of the Canadarm2 robotic arm as it was installed to the Unity module for 70 days of cargo transfers on November 4, 2019.
NASA Via AFP/Getty Images
The Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with Cygnus resupply spacecraft onboard, launches from Pad-0A of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, in Va. on Nov. 2, 2019. Northrop Grumman's 12th contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station will deliver about 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew.
The Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with Cygnus resupply spacecraft onboard, launches from Pad-0A of NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, in Va. on Nov. 2, 2019. Northrop Grumman's 12th contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station will deliver about 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew.
Bill Ingalls, NASA Via EPA-EFE