Minuteman test scheduled for early AM 9/15

by Alexander Avtanski

First, thanks to Jeff for the reminder - I had the launch on my calendar, but would probably forget it anyway if it was not for your message. :-)

Does observing a Minuteman launch count as an OR? :-) If so, here it is:

First noticed the missile at around 1:03. Maybe they didn't launch on the second, or it just needs some time to get high enough to be visible from my place. Soon after the missile cleared the neighbors house roof, I believe I saw the "puff" of the first stage separation. (I say "believe", because just at that time it was partly obscured by the branches of a tree.)

During the next phase of the flight the flame was nice orange color - deeper than I remember from previous launches - probably attributable to different observing conditions. Despite that there is no moon tonight, a faint smoke trail was visible now.

I would miss the separation of the second stage, if I didn't expect it - usually this makes a beautiful clover-shaped cloud. This time this explosive cloud was almost invisible. Several (four?) very faint orange dots from the separating boosters could be seen, but just for a couple of seconds.

The last stage was visible for about 15 more seconds until engine cutoff (or booster separation, I don't know - if it was separation I did not see it).

As usual, the spectacle is worth staying up late.

Jeff Gortatowsky wrote:

I believe there is a firing early tomorrow morning (the window opens at 1:01am) from Vandeburg. It may be an interesting photo op.
From SpaceArchive.info "The next Vandenberg AFB missile launch is a Minuteman III ICBM on the morning of September 15. Lift-off will occur at, or some time after, 01:01 PDT, the start of a six-hour launch window. The vehicle will send three unarmed warheads to the central Pacific."

Posted on sf-bay-tac Sep 15, 2004 01:28:24 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Jan 11, 2005 20:45:39 PT