[Launch Alert] Minotaur IV/SBSS Launch Observation

[Brian Webb]

Good Morning:

I photographed and observed the Minotaur IV/SBSS launch from a site known as
the Cement Water Cistern in the mountains about 10 km (6 miles) north of
Santa Barbara, California. The site is at 34.52° N, 119.79° W, elevation
3,000 ft/914 M, and 78 km east of the launch pad.

A few seconds after liftoff, a yellow glow appeared behind a distant
mountain. The glow rapidly grew brighter and suddenly, the rocket appeared.

The flame from the rocket initially was yellow or orange in color and much
brighter than Venus. I estimate it had a visual magnitude of about -8.

As the vehicle climbed, the flame gradually grew thinner and longer. It
reminded me of the flame from a propane torch, except that the rocket's
flame was white in color and thinner.

Stage 1/2 separation was dramatic and I could see a slowly flashing red
light behind the Minotaur caused by the tumbling spent first stage.

At stage 3 ignition, there was a large smoke puff and the rocket began to
produce a tenuous smoke trail.

The rocket headed downrange and eventually disappeared. It was a great show.

A photo I took of the launch and an audio clip about the launch are posted
at:

   http://www.spacearchive.info/temp-minotaur-iv-sbss.jpg

   http://www.spacearchive.info/minotaur-iv-sbss.mp3

Regards,

Brian Webb



 

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
database 5482 (20100927) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com