Delta II Taking up a Satellite from Vandenberg AFB, 05/09

[kapoyes]

Thanks for the info and advice! I have some questions regarding some of your other videos...would you mind messaging me or send me your email or something so it's easier to ask? Would appreciate it!

[kapoyes]

Thanks for the info! I am looking at going to the Oct. 25th Delta II launch. It says SLC2W, so I assume this is the same pad. It 's a night launch, so it should be neat to see it from this location. Have you seen a night launch there? I have only seen a night launch of the shuttle...I wonder how the Delta II will compare.

[TallSky]

@kapoyes Yes I have seen a few of them, because I lived nearby for years. If there is no fog, it will be spectacular. Yes, that was SLC2W. I always follow the weather reports closely beforehand. Launches right after sunset or right before sunrise are the best of all, because the rising plume is lit up by the array of vivid colors of the sun rays crossing high in the atmosphere. Dress warm because it can be slightly cold there during the night in October, and bring snacks.

[kapoyes]

Was this the public viewing area? If so, would you recommend watching a launch here?

[TallSky]

@kapoyes Yes it is public - just north of the fenced off base area. If you contact their public relations office you can be given directions to the spot, If it's a launch from one of the north side pads, this one is SLC2 if I remember right, then it is a good spot and I highly recommend it. If the launch is from one of the southern pads, this viewing area is quite a distance away and will not be so great. There are pull-off areas of Highway 1 on the southern side, for those south side launches.