Hello,
First, thanks to Jeff for the reminder - I had the launch on
my calendar, but would probably forget it anyway if it was
not for your message. :-)
Does observing a Minuteman launch count as an OR? :-) If
so, here it is:
First noticed the missile at around 1:03. Maybe they didn't
launch on the second, or it just needs some time to get high
enough to be visible from my place. Soon after the missile
cleared the neighbors house roof, I believe I saw the "puff"
of the first stage separation. (I say "believe", because
just at that time it was partly obscured by the branches of
a tree.)
During the next phase of the flight the flame was nice orange
color - deeper than I remember from previous launches -
probably attributable to different observing conditions.
Despite that there is no moon tonight, a faint smoke trail
was visible now.
I would miss the separation of the second stage, if I didn't
expect it - usually this makes a beautiful clover-shaped
cloud. This time this explosive cloud was almost invisible.
Several (four?) very faint orange dots from the separating
boosters could be seen, but just for a couple of seconds.
The last stage was visible for about 15 more seconds until
engine cutoff (or booster separation, I don't know - if it
was separation I did not see it).
As usual, the spectacle is worth staying up late.
Regards,
- Alex
Jeff Gortatowsky wrote:
> I believe there is a firing early tomorrow morning (the window opens at
> 1:01am) from Vandeburg. It may be an interesting photo op.
>
>>From SpaceArchive.info
> "The next Vandenberg AFB missile launch is a Minuteman III ICBM on the
> morning of September 15. Lift-off will occur at, or some time after, 01:01
> PDT, the start of a six-hour launch window. The vehicle will send three
> unarmed warheads to the central Pacific."
>
Received on Wed Sep 15 01:28:22 2004