We watched the GOES-T weather satellite launch from Playalinda Beach near Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It was a very windy and chilly day. We expected the launch to be be scrubbed due to high winds. However, the reliable Atlas V 541 rocket launched on time and quickly climbed into the clear blue sky.
We are about 5 miles from the launch pad, and you can just see the rocket start to climb in the photo below.
These GOES satellites are responsible for much of today’s weather observation and forecasting.
The flames were much brighter than these photos show. A bit of squinting was required to watch early on.
Thank goodness for our Canon SX 740 zoom lens.
The rocket is heading east.
We’ve lost site of the rocket, but those with cameras and binoculars were able to keep watching.
There was quite a crowd for the launch as this traffic jam demonstrates.
Learn more about GOES-T at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES-T.
Until next time.
Fifth Wheel Follies! 