Amazing never-before-seen satellite images of Earth from space

The images were released before the launch of a brand new solar-powered satellite that will be shot into orbit on board SpaceX's Falcon Heavy
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Incredible never-before-seen satellite images show some of the Earth’s most fascinating landscapes and structures from space.

The stunning photographs, some of which were taken this month from satellites orbiting the Earth, reveal breathtaking aerial views of our planet’s cities and countryside.

The images were released ahead of the launch of a brand new solar-powered satellite that will be shot into orbit around earth on board SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy later this year.

Among the collection are aerial views of the Holland’s world famous Tulip Fields, showing hundreds of fields in bloom and splashed with an array of vibrant colours.

An image of Brighton Pier is among the collection of incredible satellite pictures to be released  
My Orbiter

Spectacular photos of central London, the Florida Everglades and Venice’s Grand Canal are also among those shared by start-up satellite photography firm My Orbiter.

Florida Everglades: This stunning image shows the complexity of the famous tropical wetlands 
My Orbiter

The stunning images were taken by NASA spacecraft Landsat-8 and the US Geological Survey, and mark a new partnership between the photography company and The Planetary Society.

The sales generated by the My Orbiter images will in part go towards the launch of space exploration firms SpaceX and The Planetary Society’s LightSail2 project this spring.

Glastonbury: A satellite image of the music festival in full swing
My Orbiter

If successful, the mission will demonstrate controlled sailing of a cube-shaped satellite power solely by the sun after it launches from the Kennedy Space Centre.

The launch date has not yet been agreed, but the Falcon Heavy is expected to take off carrying the satellite between June 13 and August 12 this year.

Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk’s Falcon Heavy became the most powerful rocket to leave Earth when it launched a Tesla roadster into Mars Orbit in February.

In statement, the Planetary Society said: "LightSail is a citizen-funded project from The Planetary Society. We're sending a small spacecraft, propelled solely by sunlight, to Earth orbit. In 2015, our LightSail 1 spacecraft completed a shakedown cruise.

"As soon as Spring 2018, LightSail 2 will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, and we will attempt the first, controlled solar sail flight in Earth orbit.”

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