From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Mon Sep  2 19:06:53 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2013 16:06:53 -0700
Subject: [Launch Alert] Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule
Message-ID: <002d01cea831$28d69b20$7a83d160$@net>


                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
                              Brian Webb
                     Ventura County, California
                  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
                        www.spacearchive.info
		       
                               2013 September 2 (Monday) 15:55 PDT
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                   VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE

                     Launch
                   Time/Window
  Date              (PST/PDT)               Vehicle          Pad/Silo
--------        -----------------        -------------       --------

SEP 10?         09:00-11:00?             Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the Cassiope satellite for the Canadian Space
Agency. The vehicle will carry the following satellites as secondary
payloads: CUSat 1 and CUSat 2 (Cornell University); DANDE (University
of Colorado at Boulder); and POPACS 1, POPACS 2, and POPACS 3 (Utah
State University).  

DEC 5           To be announced          Atlas V             SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the classified NROL-39 payload for the U.S.
National Reconnaissance Office  

MAR             To be announced          Atlas V             SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the DMSP F19 military weather satellite  

The above schedule is a composite of unclassified information
approved for public release from government, industry, and other
sources. It represents the Editor's best effort to produce a schedule,
but may disagree with other sources. Details on military launches are
withheld until they are approved for public release. For official
information regarding Vandenberg AFB activities, go to
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil.

All launch dates and times are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour
format similar to military time (midnight = 00:00, 1:00 p.m. = 13:00,
11:00 p.m. = 23:00, etc.). 

The dates and times in this schedule may not agree with those on other
online launch schedules, including the official Vandenberg AFB
schedule because different sources were used, the information was
interpreted differently, and the schedules were updated at different
times.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                       LAUNCH ALERT WEB PAGE

For information about this newsletter, including how to:

   - Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change addresses

   - Handle a forgotten or lost password

   - Make a donation

Point your browser to www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2013, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.



From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Sep 12 23:23:19 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 20:23:19 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Falcon 9 Launch
Message-ID: <28836506.1379042600098.JavaMail.root@elwamui-mouette.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The upcoming launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB is currently scheduled for Sunday morning, September 15 during a 09:00-11:00 PDT launch window.

SpaceX, the Falcon 9 manufacturer and launch services provider, formally requested the Sunday morning time frame. The launch date and time were officially scheduled a few hours ago.

However, keep in mind that launch dates and times are always subject to change.

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sat Sep 14 09:13:35 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 06:13:35 -0700
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch Delayed
Message-ID: <002401ceb14c$396d7a70$ac486f50$@net>

The launch of a Falcon 9 rocket tentatively planned for Sunday, September 15
has been delayed. A new launch date has not been announced.

The date for this launch is subject to change on short notice and
information regarding launch preparations has been limited.

Brian Webb
Launch Alert Editor


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sun Sep 15 18:18:45 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 15:18:45 -0700
Subject: [Launch Alert] Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule
Message-ID: <004201ceb261$8d083420$a7189c60$@net>

                                    
                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
                              Brian Webb
                      Ventura County, California
                  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
                        www.spacearchive.info
		       
                              2013 September 15 (Sunday) 14:51 PDT
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                   VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE

                      Launch
                    Time/Window
  Date               (PST/PDT)               Vehicle          Pad/Silo
---------        -----------------        -------------       --------

SEP              To be announced          Minuteman III       ---
ICBM test launch

SEP              To be announced          Minuteman III       ---
ICBM test launch

SEP 29/30        09:00-11:00?             Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the CASSIOPE satellite for the Canadian Space
Agency. The vehicle will carry the following satellites as secondary
payloads: CUSat 1 and CUSat 2 (Cornell University); DANDE (University
of Colorado at Boulder); and POPACS 1, POPACS 2, and POPACS 3 (Utah
State University). In a tweet on SEP 15, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk
mentioned SEP 29/30 as probable launch dates  

DEC 5            To be announced          Atlas V             SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the classified NROL-39 payload for the U.S.
National Reconnaissance Office  

MAR              To be announced          Atlas V             SLC-3
Vehicle will launch the DMSP F19 military weather satellite  

The above schedule is a composite of unclassified information
approved for public release from government, industry, and other
sources. It represents the Editor's best effort to produce a schedule,
but may disagree with other sources. Details on military launches are
withheld until they are approved for public release. For official
information regarding Vandenberg AFB activities, go to
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil.

All launch dates and times are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour
format similar to military time (midnight = 00:00, 1:00 p.m. = 13:00,
11:00 p.m. = 23:00, etc.). 

The dates and times in this schedule may not agree with those on other
online launch schedules, including the official Vandenberg AFB
schedule because different sources were used, the information was
interpreted differently, and the schedules were updated at different
times.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                       LAUNCH ALERT WEB PAGE

For information about this newsletter, including how to:

   - Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change addresses

   - Handle a forgotten or lost password

   - Make a donation

Point your browser to www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2013, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.



From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Sep 19 18:00:34 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:00:34 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launch Scheduled
Message-ID: <26971359.1379628035469.JavaMail.root@elwamui-darkeyed.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The following is a media release from Vandenberg AFB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 18, 2013

Minuteman III launch scheduled

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An operational test launch of 
an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile
is scheduled for Sunday between 3:01 and 9:01 a.m. 
from Launch Facility-10 here on north Vandenberg. 

Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision
authority. 

 "2013 has proved to be a busy year for the Western Range," said Balts. 
"Whether we are supporting a mid-morning launch of a Delta-IV
 or an early morning Minuteman III launch, public safety is always 
our number one priority."


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sat Sep 21 18:59:33 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 15:59:33 -0700
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch on Schedule
Message-ID: <003f01ceb71e$3eabee40$bc03cac0$@net>


                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
                              Brian Webb
                     Ventura County, California
                  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
                        www.spacearchive.info
		       
                            2013 September 21 (Saturday) 15:48 PDT
----------------------------------------------------------------------

                         LAUNCH ON SCHEDULE

Sunday morning's planned launch of an unarmed Minuteman III missile
from Vandenberg AFB is currently on schedule. The Minuteman is slated
to lift off from an underground silo at northwest Vandenberg during a
03:01 to 09:01 PDT launch window.

The launch is probably scheduled to occur at, or shortly after, the
start of the window, but can happen at any time during the six-hour
attempt. The launch can also be cancelled at any time.

If the launch happens before dawn, the nearly full Moon will make the
event more difficult to see in outlying areas and limit launch
visibility to a maximum distance of about 200 miles. In addition,
launch viewing within several miles of the coast may be hampered by
coastal clouds or fog.

If liftoff happens early in the window, observers in some areas of
California may see an interesting display at dawn as the Sun's rays
illuminate the missile's exhaust at high altitudes. To search for such
a display, scan the entire sky from 55 to 35 minutes before sunrise.

For information about viewing launches from Vandenberg AFB, see:

  http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=745

Detailed information about viewing Vandenberg AFB launches is posted
at the following location:

  http://www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm

For weather forecasts, see:

  http://www.wrh.noaa.gov

Since the launch will test a critical U.S. weapon system, the
countdown will probably not be available off base.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a press release about the launch from the Air Force
Global Strike Command:


                 MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SCHEDULED
            Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command
                      Office of Public Affairs
                             2013 SEP 20

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE,  La. - An operational test launch of an
unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled
for Sept. 22, between 3:01 a.m. and 9:01 a.m. (PDT) from Vandenberg
AFB, Calif.

The missile's unarmed reentry system is expected to travel
approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall
Islands.

"Every test launch provides an opportunity to demonstrate the
readiness, effectiveness and accuracy of the weapon system," said Col.
Lance Kawane, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander.  "A tremendous
amount of teamwork is involved in conducting the test launch mission."

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th FLTS, includes
Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D., and the 90th
Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th FLTS is responsible for
tracking and telemetry systems on the missile, which collect mission
data and ensure safety requirements are met. The information obtained
during test launches enables planners to ensure continued sustainment
of the ICBM program.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy
will use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure
and effective nuclear deterrent. The United States' ability to
maintain a strong, credible strategic deterrent is a key element of
U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                       LAUNCH ALERT WEB PAGE

For information about this newsletter, including how to:

   - Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change addresses

   - Handle a forgotten or lost password

   - Make a donation

Point your browser to www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2013, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.



From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sun Sep 22 08:57:36 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 05:57:36 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched
Message-ID: <21649357.1379854656949.JavaMail.root@elwamui-lapwing.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command
Office of Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. 71110-2279

Sept. 22, 2013
Release 13-09-02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINUTEMAN III TEST MISSILE LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF.

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  ? An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental
ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 3:01 a.m. (PDT)
today from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. 

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron,
included members from the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D., and 90 Missile
Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

?The test launch is the culmination of months of hard work and preparation.?
said Col. Lance Kawane, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander.  ?The
invaluable data we collect helps us to validate the functionality and
performance of system components.?

The ICBM test launch program supports U.S. strategic deterrence policy as
outlined in the 2010 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review, by
demonstrating the operational credibility of the Minuteman III.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will
use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure and
effective nuclear deterrent. The United States? ability to maintain a
strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. national
security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.

The next test launch of the Minuteman III from Vandenberg is scheduled for
Sept. 26.


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Tue Sep 24 22:34:51 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 19:34:51 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Second Minuteman III Launch Scheduled for the Week
Message-ID: <704735.1380076491623.JavaMail.root@mswamui-bichon.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


The following is a media release from Vandenberg AFB:


SECOND MINUTEMAN III LAUNCH SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An operational test launch of an unarmed
Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for Thursday
between 3:01 and 9:01 a.m. from Launch Facility-9 here on north Vandenberg. 

Col. Brent McArthur, 30th Space Wing vice commander, is the launch decision
authority. 

 "We are excited to support another launch here Thursday," said McArthur.
"Although this week may seem challenging with the number of launches, we are
eager and ready to continue to support our customers and achieve another
safe and successful launch for the Western Range."

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Wed Sep 25 12:10:55 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 09:10:55 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Thursday Launch
Message-ID: <11803090.1380125456513.JavaMail.root@mswamui-valley.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


The following is an Air Force Global Strike Command press release about Thursday morning's launch. Under good conditions, this event could be visible to the unaided eye for more than 250 miles. An interesting display may be visible in some areas about 50 to 35 minutes before sunrise as the Sun's rays illuminate the missile's exhaust at high altitudes.


Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command
Office of Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. 71110-2279


Sept. 25, 2013
Release 13-09-03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH SCHEDULED
 
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE,  La. ? An operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for Sept. 26, between 3:01 a.m. and 9:01 a.m. (PDT) from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
 
This is the second Minuteman III operational test launch within a week, following the recent test launch Sept. 22.
 
The launches were scheduled by Air Force Global Strike Command to take advantage of range availability.  It also enabled the command to make efficient use of resources by using the same launch team for both launches.
 
The launch team, under the 576th Flight Test Squadron?s direction, includes Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, N.D.
 
?We are looking forward to conducting another test of our Minuteman III with partnering organizations,? said Col. Lance Kawane, 576th FTS commander.  ?Every test is the culmination of the total team effort.?
 
Air Force Global Strike Command?s 576th FLTS is responsible for tracking and telemetry systems on the missile, which collect mission data and ensure safety requirements are met.  The information obtained during test launches enables planners to ensure continued sustainment of the ICBM program.


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Sep 26 08:08:43 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 05:08:43 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched
Message-ID: <25202709.1380197324304.JavaMail.root@elwamui-norfolk.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command
Office of Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. 71110-2279


MINUTEMAN III TEST MISSILE LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  ? An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 3:33 a.m. (PDT) today from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., marking the second successful Minuteman test launch this week.

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, included task force members from 20th Air Force?s 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.

"This test launch -- the second in less than a week -- is a visible demonstration of the nation's safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent,? said Col. Scott Fox, 20th Air Force vice commander. ?That deterrent is more than just the physical missile and associated hardware.

?A weapon system is only as capable as those who operate and maintain it, and the Airmen of 20th Air Force, from the 90th and 91st Missile Wings, as well as the test experts from the 576th Flight Test Squadron performed exceptionally throughout the entire test launch process," Fox said.

The ICBM test launch program supports U.S. strategic deterrence policy as outlined in the 2010 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review by demonstrating the operational credibility of the Minuteman III.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

The United States? ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Sep 26 12:03:41 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 09:03:41 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Falcon 9 Launch this Sunday
Message-ID: <26270801.1380211423762.JavaMail.root@mswamui-thinleaf.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


If you are getting multiple e-mails from me, please ignore them. I am having server connection problems.

The next Vandenberg AFB rocket launch is a Falcon 9 on the morning of SEP 29 during a 09:00-11:00 PDT window.

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Sep 26 11:54:24 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 08:54:24 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] First Space X Launch from Vandenberg Scheduled
Message-ID: <23987490.1380210864950.JavaMail.root@mswamui-thinleaf.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 25, 2013

FIRST SPACEX LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG SCHEDULED 

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch
its first-ever SpaceX launch from Space Launch Complex-4 here Sunday with a
targeted launch window beginning at 9 a.m. PDT. 

Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision
authority. 

"Our mission is to provide unique capabilities for assured access to and
from space for our nation," said Balts. "This is a huge stepping stone for
Vandenberg and our SpaceX mission partners and I am impressed with the
amount of innovation, dedication and professionalism that was put into
making this historic event happen."

30th Space Wing's 1st Air and Space Test Squadron is the lead for all launch
site certification activities at Vandenberg for SpaceX as an Evolved
Expendable Launch Vehicle New Entrant. Under the authority of the Space and
Missile Systems Center, the Squadron is evaluating SpaceX's flight and
ground systems, processes and procedures for this inaugural space launch
campaign for the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket. 

"This is historic event for Vandenberg AFB and we are excited to be a part
of it," said Lt. Col. Joseph Imwalle, 1ASTS commander. "The Squadron is
committed to making the new process of EELV certification successful and to
achieving the vision of more affordable operational spacelift capabilities
for the Department of Defense without compromising reliability."


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sat Sep 28 18:35:34 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 15:35:34 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch on Schedule
Message-ID: <16645746.1380407734639.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rubis.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


Tomorrow morning's planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB is currently on schedule. The Falcon 9 is slated to lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at south Vandenberg during a 09:00-11:00 PDT launch window. The launch is probably targeted for the very start of the window, but circumstances could cause the launch to happen at any time during the two-hour opportunity.

The launch could also be cancelled and rescheduled for another day. Back up launch opportunities have been scheduled for SEP 30 and OCT 1 from 09:00-11:00 PDT.

Following liftoff, the Falcon 9 will rise vertically for several seconds and then slowly begin to pitch over and head southward. If the launch is successful, the rocket will deliver a Canadian and several U.S. research satellites into orbit.

Barring any coastal clouds or fog, the best place for the general public to observe the launch would probably be southwest of Lompoc. Some people are planning to observe the event from Providence Landing Park at 699 Mercury Ave. in Lompoc.

It is uncertain what the launch will look like in outlying areas. At a minimum, observers 100 miles or more from the launch site may see a brief contrail as the Falcon 9 passes through altitudes from approximately 33,000 to 38,000 feet.

For launch status, go to:

http://spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/006/status.html


From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sun Sep 29 16:08:16 2013
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 13:08:16 -0700
Subject: [Launch Alert] Falcon 9 Launched
Message-ID: <003701cebd4f$a44a1e70$ecde5b50$@net>

                              
                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
                              Brian Webb
                     Ventura County, California
                  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
                        www.spacearchive.info
		       
                              2013 September 29 (Sunday) 13:00 PDT
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a Vandenberg AFB news release.

                  VANDENBERG LAUNCHES SPACEX ROCKET

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg launched its
first-ever SpaceX launch from Space Launch Complex-4 here Sunday at 9
a.m.

Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision
authority.

"I am truly honored to work with such an amazing team here at
Vandenberg," said Balts. "With safety at the forefront during all
launch operations, we highlighted our mission three times in one week,
culminating in today's historic launch with SpaceX. What I have seen
in the past few months as Wing Commander is a true testament to the
professionalism and dedication the men and women of Vandenberg have
toward our mission."

30th Space Wing's 1st Air and Space Test Squadron was the lead for
all launch site certification activities at Vandenberg for SpaceX as
an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle New Entrant. Under the authority
of the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Squadron evaluated
SpaceX's flight and ground systems, processes and procedures for this
inaugural space launch campaign for the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                     FALCON 9 LAUNCH OBSERVATION
                            by Brian Webb

This morning's Falcon 9 launch was visually more impressive than I
expected. I have seen several daytime Vandenberg AFB rocket and
missile launches from distances of about 90 to 100 statute miles. I
would rate this morning's launch as being among the two best displays.

I observed the launch from a high hill in Ventura County located 102.6
statute miles (165 km) east of the launch pad. The sky was completely
free of clouds and the transparency of the atmosphere along the ground
to distant landmarks was 8.5 on a 0 to 10 scale. In other words, it
was very clear.

My equipment consisted of tripod-mounted 10x50 Nikon binoculars that
were aimed at the point where I expected the rocket to appear.

Several seconds before the start of the launch window, I began looking
through the binoculars. An elongated bright orange flame suddenly
appeared from behind a distant range of mountains.

During the initial portion of the launch, I was impressed by the flame
and how clearly I could see the rocket. Through the binoculars, the
flame was a vivid orange color and quite long. It was also very
dynamic and rapidly changing. The flame also exhibited detail that
included two or more bright knots apparently caused by shock diamonds.

I was not only impressed that I could see the shape of the rocket
through the binoculars, but also how large the rocket body was.
According to my calculations, the rocket appeared to be as large as a
224-foot high building when seen with the naked eye from a range of 10
statute miles.

I briefly left the binoculars and looked at the launch using the
unaided eye. The flame was a bright orange and I could see a hint of
its elongated shape. I could not see the rocket?s body.

I quickly returned to the binoculars and continued viewing the event.
As the Falcon 9 climbed, it left behind a narrow, colorless, and
mostly transparent trail. At the rocket, the trail was wider and
appeared to surround the Falcon 9. This gave the trail a tadpole-like
shape.

I continued following the rocket as it headed downrange and awaited
stage 1/stage 2 separation. At about this time, I could clearly see
the shape of the rocket and noted that I could see the Falcon 9?s
bluish-gray color.

Suddenly, stage 1 and stage 2 separation occurred. Not only did I see
staging, I could also see the shapes of the first and second stage.
The spent first stage did not tumble and was tilted about 20? to the
right of its flight path. The semi-transparent cloud around the first
stage was more pronounced and the stage appeared to be venting. As
before, a mostly transparent trail followed the first stage.

The second stage slowly began to pull ahead of the first stage. I then
tried to loosen the locks on my camera tripod so I could follow the
rocket. The binoculars then move too much and I could not find the
Falcon 9.

Just before I left my viewing site, I glanced at the western horizon
and saw a thick contrail that the rocket left when it passed through
the stratosphere.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                       LAUNCH ALERT WEB PAGE

For information about this newsletter, including how to:

   - Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change addresses

   - Handle a forgotten or lost password

   - Make a donation

Point your browser to www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2013, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.


