Rocket Launch

[Jeepnik]

Like many of my generation I spent hours watching space launches and moon landings on TV. But I never had a chance to watch a live launch. However, all that changed when they started doing civilian launches from Vandenberg.

The launches are announced well in advance. And there's an app that keeps you updated. I've been able to watch two from fairly close.

SpaceX launches frequently from Vandenberg. Most are Starlink missions. But they also do contract launches.

But here's the cool part. The Starlink launches and some of the contract launches are launched south. If the sky is clear they can be watch from my front yard.

Tonight's launch was quite spectacular. It arced overhead in a clear sky. The first stage burn left a flaming tail. Then the first stage shut down and it separated.

The separation is always a singular moment followed by the decent and blazing landing rockets as it lands on the recovery ship.

All in all tonight's show was extraordinary.

 

[bobski]

wallops island here in va is a treat to behold.

 

[WAYNO]

I grew up in a time where every rocket launch was exciting, pre-empting all broadcast television, on all three channels.

That said, I've only seen one actual rocket launch, while visiting Florida. And that was recently. That was still quite exciting for me.



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[GasGuzzler]

My Dad worked for IBM as a software developer and they were contracted by NASA in the '70's so he helped edit the software that flew Skylab and then the Space Shuttle. Before that he was on a contract with the US government and edited software at the Pentagon. Even rode shotgun on a factory launch for Hershey's making candy bars.

 

[RC44Mag]

My wife’s cousin and my friend told me some years ago that in ‘69 his parents drove down to Florida from NY with the kids to watch the Apollo 11 launch. I’m still a bit envious
I did watch a couple launches of the Shuttle when I lived down there early 90’s. One was a night shot and when the shuttle hit the clouds it lit up the sky unbelievably. It’s still etched in my brain.