The COSMO-SkyMed launch

Alexander Avtanski

A mini OR on today's COSMO-SkyMed launch from Vandenberg AFB.

First we got sight of the rocket about 2.5 minutes after launch. It was lower above the horizon (as viewed from San Jose), and quite fainter than usual. The first stage main engine cutoff and separation was well visible with binoculars, as the expanding gas cloud became quite bright for a few seconds, then faded. This was easily visible naked eye too. I think I saw the blinks from a tumbling booster with the bino a few seconds after the separation, but I'm not 100% sure - it was at the limits of my vision's sensitivity (not dark adapted, under streetlights).

I hope you guys at Houge park saw it.