This past week we had the opportunity to watch a rocket launch from a close-up viewing area on Cape Canaveral. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off just before sunset on Wednesday, February 11th, carrying the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft.
The launch was scheduled for Sunday, but a problem with a tracking radar stopped the countdown a few minutes before liftoff. We returned again on Tuesday for a second attempt, but this time the launch was postponed due to high winds. Finally, everything went as planned on Wednesday.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad.NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building where the Saturn V moon rockets and Space Shuttles were prepared for launch. Although it is over 8 miles away, it dominates the horizon.The picturesque setting sun eased the disappointment of learning the launch was scrubbed due to technical issues.Back again on Wednesday and several dozen water birds entertained us while we waited for liftoff. Here, an unimaginatively named Brown Pelican dives for dinner.Not every landing is a perfect landing.The fishing must have been good as dozens of birds swarmed around the same spot for about 10 minutes. A White Pelican (I’m not making these names up) makes a nice, controlled landing on the left.The same group a fraction of a second later.This is reminiscent of the final scene of the awesomely bad movie, Birdemic: Shock and Terror.Finally, we have liftoff!The Falcon 9 clears the tower.The roar of the Falcon 9’s rocket motors was particularly impressive this close.About 30 seconds after liftoff.The final shot just before main engine cutoff. Farewell, DSCOVR.
