[Launch Alert] Tuesday Vandenberg Launch

[Launch Alert]

                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
			      Brian Webb
		  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
	                www.spacearchive.info
		       
				  2018 May 19 (Saturday) 10:51 PDT
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                      TUESDAY VANDENBERG LAUNCH

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying several satellites is scheduled for launch
from south Vandenberg AFB on Tuesday afternoon at 12:47:58 PDT.

Following lift-off, the rocket will climb vertically for several
seconds before it begins a gradual turn and heads south. If the launch
is successful, the Falcon 9 will place several Iridium NEXT
communications satellites and two GRACE Follow-on scientific
satellites into orbit.

Weather permitting, the bright orange flame from the rocket's first
stage could be visible to the unaided eye as far away as Big Sur,
Bakersfield, and Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

People in very quiet locations in coastal Santa Barbara and Ventura
Counties and the western Santa Monica mountains may hear a distant,
muffled rumble from the launch sometime between T+4 and T+12 minutes.

Some launch enthusiasts may be planning gather to watch the event from
west of Lompoc near highway 246 (west Ocean Avenue) and Union Sugar
Road.

However, if you intend to view the launch near the coast, be advised
there is a real possibility the event will be obscured by low clouds
or fog.

For the best view in outlying areas, get above the haze or marine
layer and find a place with an unobstructed horizon towards the launch
site and Channel Islands.

Regardless of where you plan to go to view the launch, allow yourself
enough time to get there well before liftoff. After you arrive, be
aware of your surroundings and possible hazards such as traffic.

For launch status and countdown information, go to:

      www.spaceflightnow.com

      www.spacex.com

For information on viewing Vandenberg rocket and missile launches, go
to:

      www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm

The Internet countdown feed may be delayed by several seconds. Rather
than relying on the feed for launch cueing, use a GPS receiver or
another source to obtain the exact time. You can also set your watch
to the exact time from the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (www.nist.gov).

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                             QUESTIONS?

Because of time limitations and other priorities, I am unable to
answer reader questions about Tuesday's launch.

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Copyright 2018, 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.