A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 on June 20, 2012, at 8:28 a.m. EDT with a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. This is the 61st launch for ULA and marks the 50th successful launch of an Atlas V and Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
That payload had to be one of the lightest for an Atlas V. Maybe could have even flown on a Delta II if they wanted to.
Question: do ULA have a 'generic payload' graphic that they use for NRO launches' simulated ascent graphics or is it possible that what we saw duirng simulated PLF sep was what the real NRO-38 spacecraft loooks like?
The view and sound was great from the NASA Causeway.
Quote from: Jim on 06/20/2012 03:57 pmThe view and sound was great from the NASA Causeway. Can ylou get me past the gate at the KSCVC?
Well Jim,I'd sure like to come down the next launch and compare notes to see how good your view was. Can ylou get me past the gate at the KSCVC? Let me know where we can meet to look at it, dinner on me at some local dive of your choice
I'm amazed that they are making launching satellites so routine that people pay little attention (just four pages!).
Judging from the sound delay, I'd say the observers were within 2.5 km of the pad.