Author Topic: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread  (Read 15961 times)

Offline grythumn

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ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« on: 10/22/2014 09:43 pm »
jmsjr's list of launch viewing locations. The ones I've used and recommend are Old Ferry and Arbuckle Road. Visitor's center does have bathrooms, but it's much further away.

http://goo.gl/maps/7SDDv

I've got the day off, so I plan to visit both Old Ferry and Arbuckle again and see how things get framed with the big lens and my 300 with a TC. It's an evening launch, and I don't think it's been quite cold enough yet... I'm bringing some mosquito repellant.

-Bob

Offline grythumn

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #1 on: 10/25/2014 07:17 pm »
If you don't plan to come to Wallops Island, this launch should be quite visible across a good chunk of the central eastern seaboard, particularly MD, DE, VA and DC.

http://www.nasa.gov/content/first-nighttime-launch-of-the-antares-rocket-scheduled-oct-27-from-wallops/

-Bob

Offline Scylla

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #2 on: 10/26/2014 03:11 pm »
Another viewing chart
I reject your reality and substitute my own--Doctor Who

Offline Galactic Penguin SST

Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #3 on: 10/26/2014 03:15 pm »
I see that this launch should happen 38 minutes after sunset if it does happen tomorrow. Would the rocket get itself high enough to get within sunlight before the first stage finished burning? Or would it take at least 1 day's slip to see the light effects?
Astronomy & spaceflight geek penguin. In a relationship w/ Space Shuttle Discovery. Current Priority: Chasing the Chinese Spaceflight Wonder Egg & A Certain Chinese Mars Rover

Offline wetaylor

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #4 on: 10/26/2014 08:32 pm »
Just as an afterthought, the Space Station will be overhead 4 minutes after scheduled launch tomorrow night

Mon Oct 27, 6:49 PM visible for 6 min 87°
appears     10 above NW
disappears 11 above SE 

Should be dark enough for easy viewing

Offline IanH84

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #5 on: 10/26/2014 10:21 pm »
I see that this launch should happen 38 minutes after sunset if it does happen tomorrow. Would the rocket get itself high enough to get within sunlight before the first stage finished burning? Or would it take at least 1 day's slip to see the light effects?
I'm not sure about the first stage, but I've watched a couple of launches from beaches up here in CT and the second stage provides quite a light show as the flame is quite visible and lights up the exhaust plume brightly. I'm heading down to the beach tomorrow with a few friends to watch.

Offline jsmjr

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #6 on: 10/26/2014 10:37 pm »
jmsjr's list of launch viewing locations. The ones I've used and recommend are Old Ferry and Arbuckle Road. Visitor's center does have bathrooms, but it's much further away.

http://goo.gl/maps/7SDDv


As a bonus, Google has recently updated the satellite imagery at Wallops.  Not only is Launch Pad 0-A shown in its current configuration, there's an Antares rocket on the pad!   8)

I may also take off work early tomorrow and make the drive over from DC.  Still considering, as I think the lighting will be somewhat challenging for photography.

Offline kevin-rf

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #7 on: 10/27/2014 12:05 am »
So when will the jokes come in that Antares didn't really launch because Google still shows it n the pad ;)
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Offline Galactic Penguin SST

Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #8 on: 10/27/2014 01:12 am »
jmsjr's list of launch viewing locations. The ones I've used and recommend are Old Ferry and Arbuckle Road. Visitor's center does have bathrooms, but it's much further away.

http://goo.gl/maps/7SDDv


As a bonus, Google has recently updated the satellite imagery at Wallops.  Not only is Launch Pad 0-A shown in its current configuration, there's an Antares rocket on the pad!   8)

I may also take off work early tomorrow and make the drive over from DC.  Still considering, as I think the lighting will be somewhat challenging for photography.

Checking Google Earth, that photo was taken on March 9, 2013 - that means the rocket on the pad is the one that did the first hot-fire test half a month ago ahead of the first flight.  ;)
Astronomy & spaceflight geek penguin. In a relationship w/ Space Shuttle Discovery. Current Priority: Chasing the Chinese Spaceflight Wonder Egg & A Certain Chinese Mars Rover

Offline spacedog71

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #9 on: 10/27/2014 12:58 pm »
first one to arbuckle neck road, please report back re: whether it's in fact going to be open for traffic tonight.
/worried

Offline grythumn

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #10 on: 10/27/2014 08:47 pm »
Arbuckle is open but crowded and getting more so. Im kinda parked in, so I'm staying here

Offline rayleighscatter

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #11 on: 10/27/2014 10:44 pm »
Tried to watch the launch a good 100 or so miles NW in Annapolis, and was pleasantly surprised to see about 40 or so other people who were also trying to watch from there.

Offline jsmjr

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #12 on: 10/27/2014 11:12 pm »
Ran into Bill Ingalls at the Tidal Basin, along with a couple dozen other launch gazers.  Glad I didn't go to Wallops because I would not have been able to stay over.

Offline vt_hokie

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #13 on: 10/27/2014 11:42 pm »
Well, I ran into some folks in Yorktown, VA hoping to catch the launch!  Hopefully we'll have better luck tomorrow!


Offline Prober

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #14 on: 10/28/2014 02:13 am »
did anyone see a sailboat?
 :P
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Offline SaxtonHale

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #15 on: 10/28/2014 04:13 am »
They have several Phalanx CIWS on the island with live rounds, used by the Navy for training purposes.

I keep thinking they need to fire off a couple (hundred) warning shots.

Here's to better luck tomorrow.
« Last Edit: 10/28/2014 04:17 am by SaxtonHale »

Offline chrisking0997

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #16 on: 10/28/2014 04:54 pm »
Well, I ran into some folks in Yorktown, VA hoping to catch the launch!  Hopefully we'll have better luck tomorrow!

didnt think of Yorktown...what pier is that?

going to take the kids to Buckroe tonight
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Offline vt_hokie

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #17 on: 10/28/2014 05:07 pm »

didnt think of Yorktown...what pier is that?


It's the fishing pier just to the east of Yorktown beach and almost directly below the Yorktown Victory Monument.

Offline kch

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #18 on: 10/28/2014 05:28 pm »
They have several Phalanx CIWS on the island with live rounds, used by the Navy for training purposes.

I keep thinking they need to fire off a couple (hundred) warning shots.

Here's to better luck tomorrow.

Hoping there's no "failboat" this time!  ;)

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: ORB-3 Launch viewing thread
« Reply #19 on: 10/28/2014 05:47 pm »
I'll be out with my PT boat today keeping the range clear... ;D
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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