SpaceX picturesque sunset launch of #SES9

The +SpaceX launch of #SES9 was delayed and scrubbed several times as the SpaceX teamed worked hard to cool the liquid propellant to maximize performance of the rocket. They also were unlucky with a boat in the "Danga Zone" on one of their attempts. Luckily for us, we were out of town or indoors for two of their attempts.

This photo composite was taken with 2-sec bursts (too bright for longer exposures).

Rafael's first rocket launch. #DeltaIV #WGS7 launch at sunset. #ULA #RNK

Sometimes the best way to watch a rocket is from the comfort of your own home! This was Rafael's first launch experience (outside of the womb). Jen was holding Rafi (just turned 1-week old earlier that morning) and I was holding Teddy for a family experience. I set up the camera to take a photo every second and we turned back to smile for a few of the pics. Unfortunately a few days after I Photoshopped the image below, my laptop hard drive had a mechanical failure and I have not recovered the data including this photo shoot. The image below is my only surviving digital footprint of Rafi's 1st launch (downloaded from Facebook) until we have an affordable data recovery service (one shop wanted $150 up front to look at the drive and then up to $1000 for data recovery - so the drive is safely stored until I get a fixed price). Rafi was sleeping the whole time, so I guess that answers the question of what life is like inside the womb in Cape Canaveral.

Rafi's 1st rocket launch (outside of the womb)!

My best pics of #DSCOVR launch. 3rd time's a charm for @SpaceX #Falcon9

We experienced a beautiful +SpaceX launch of DSCOVR as the sun set behind us. It was my third trip to the ITL Causeway, 2nd for +Jen Kobrick (and #BabyK) and +Caley Burke. This was the 32nd launch since we moved to Florida (Sept 2012). The rocket jumped off the pad, gave a booming crackle, and had a long flight in perfect view on a clear evening. The most amazing part was seeing the first stage re-light just above the Delta IV launchpad in the far distance as SpaceX was practicing their landing maneuver out in open water, a critical step in rocket reusability (mostly to reuse the 9 engines). The seas were rough, so they didn't attempt to land on the autonomous spaceport drone ship (barge) newly named "Just Read the Instructions" as a sci-fi tribute. As per usual, I like to retell the story with photos:

Feb 8 - Scrub #1 - The plan: a romantic kiss on date night with the launch behind us.  But a squishy nose scrub kiss is just as good.

WGS-5 launch on Delta IV from Space Florida South Campus bleachers

A beautiful launch with Jen and Sabrena! The contrail turned into a rainbow from the setting sun. The four solid rockets could be seen falling back to earth after separation for many minutes. They looked like slowly falling stars as the blinked from reflections. The upper stage separation was also visible as the rocket looked like it hit a cloud with a plume out-gassing radially from the stages. This was a one of a kind launch! It's too bad I opted for bulb mode on liftoff and over saturated the lens. We were at the South Campus location because they had moved people back from the causeway spots (probably due to the prevailing winds).

The contrail left a rainbow of colors as the Delta IV rocketed away.

Four solid boosters fall back to Earth like twinkling falling stars.

The rainbow dances in the contrail.

A few short videos including the solid boosters twinkling and the launch clearing the tower.

The official stats:

May 24/25

Delta 4  •  WGS 5

Launch time: 0027 GMT on 25th (8:27 p.m. EDT on 24th) Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket launched the fifth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket flew in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. Delayed from Jan. 18, February, March, May 8 and May 22. Scrubbed on May 23 by pressurization issue. See our Mission Status Center. [May 25]

Space!

Ryan