[Launch Alert] Friday Launch

Thu, 6 Jun 2002 09:14:31 -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 June 6 (Thursday) 06:10 PDT
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			FRIDAY MISSILE LAUNCH

A Minuteman III missile is scheduled for launch from Vandenberg AFB
tomorrow morning, June 7th. Launch is set for 01:01 PDT, the start of
a 6-hour launch launch window. The vehicle will send three unarmed
warheads on a ballistic (non-orbital) trajectory to the central
Pacific.

Weather permitting, tomorrow's 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. You might be suprised at what you see.