[Launch Alert] Falcon 9 Launched

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:


From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

FALCON 9 PAZ LAUNCHED FROM VANDENBERG

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg successfully launched a
Falcon 9 rocket carrying a PAZ payload from Space Launch Complex-4 here,
Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:17 a.m. PST.

Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the space launch
commander.

"This launch was a testament to the hard work of Team Vandenberg, SpaceX and
Spain," said Wood. "I am proud of everyone involved that continues to pave
the way for our nation's access to space."

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LAUNCH OBSERVATION
by Brian Webb

I viewed this morning's launch from a hill approximately 100 miles
east-southeast of the launch pad. Most of my observing during the first stage
burn and the early portion of the second stage burn was done using 10x tripod-
mounted binoculars.

During the first stage burn, the binoculars revealed structure within the rocket's
flame. Through the binoculars, I very clearly saw the actual rocket and noted the
surface of the vehicle appeared to be illuminated by the sun.

After stage 1/2 separation, the binoculars allowed me to see the rocket
appear to break in half and I could see the shape of the spent first stage and
two bright points of light (the halves of the payload fairing) trailing behind second
stage.

Using the unaided eye, I could see multiple points of light. These were the second stage,
first stage, and payload fairing halves. I could also see a tenuous exhaust
plume behind the second stage.