[Launch Alert] Wednesday Missile Launch

Mon, 15 Jul 2002 22:41:09 -0400

	     ASTRONOMY/SPACE ALERT FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

			 Brian Webb, KD6NRP
		     Ventura County, California
		    E-mail: [email protected]
	      Web Site: http://home.earthlink.net/~kd6nrp

				      2002 July 15 (Monday) 19:40 PDT
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		       WEDNESDAY MISSILE LAUNCH

A Minuteman III missile is scheduled for launch from Vandenberg AFB on
Wednesday morning, July 17th. Launch is set for to occur after 01:01
PDT, the start of a 6-hour launch window. The vehicle will send two
unarmed warheads on a ballistic (non-orbital) trajectory to targets
near Kwajalein in the central Pacific.

The exact launch time is unknown, but the odds are roughly 30% it will
occur when the window opens at 01:01 and 60% it will take place before
01:30.

Weather permitting, the launch should be visible for at least 250
miles. Look for the spent first stage slowly flashing as it tumbles
following stage 1 and 2 separation. This is visible to the unaided eye
up to 100 miles from the base. Beyond 100 miles, binoculars or a
telescope will be needed.

If you own an astronomical telescope, you might consider using it to
observe the launch.