The Launch of Atlas - 4

Here is a short video about the launch of a military communications satellite aboard an Atlas-4 rocket. Having been delayed several times, it launched at 8:47pm on Decmber 5, 2009.

A souped up version of United Launch Alliances Atlas IV medium rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Saturday night after three days of delays, carrying with it a next generation military communications satellite to help battlefield troops.

The Atlas IV 5-4 medium rocket, enhanced with four solid-fueled boosters, lifted off riding a column of fire that lit up the chilly but finally clear central Florida sky. Previous attempts were scrubbed by windy, wet weather and technical troubles with some ground equipment.

The rocket flew for 40 minutes before it successfully deployed the Air Force's third Wideband Global SATCOM communications spacecraft, known as WGS-3, into geosynchronous obit.

Once again, I grabbed my Canon G9 still camera and set it to the Video Mode to record the event from my front yard. I also took a few still photos which appear at the end.

Recorded: December 5, 2009

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Kerry
• Decker
• Atlas-4
• rocket
• Cape
• Kennedy
• Florida
• Delta
• IV
• Canaveral
• 2009
• military
• communications
• satellite

[KKD1247]

Thank you everyone who watched my dada's movies over the years. Its taken me almost a year to look at some of these again. I lost my world and to this day still have a hard time. I am blessed that we have youtube because now my daughter can see her grampy, he was blessed to see her be born and shared 2 months with her. Again thank you for still watching some of his movies . He had a great talent and he is missed dearly- god bless all- Kerry's Daugther Erica (ERD1277)

[BigJimW10]

Kerry, do you have any special plans for the final Space Shuttle launch?

May I suggest doing a Nightlife Show themed one, complete with original opening from your original show, as a tribute to the shuttle. On the spot coverage like your show on the launch of the Columbia back in 82. That would be cool. Make a video showing the 2nd flight of the shuttle, then fast forward 28 years later. :)

[KKD1247]

Yes...I've been thinking about the Shuttle's last mission - currently scheduled for Sept 16, 2010. The Cape will be absolutely PACKED! Mega-PACKED I bet! I'll base it on the NightLife Show and good idea about some of the retro footage of the past. I bet it will be at least a 2-parter. I'll keep everyone up to date & will comment on it on my 3rd Anniv video in February. (Next Shuttle - Feb 4th)

[GlockNinja]

What video camera were you using?

[KKD1247]

For these short productions, I use my Canon G9 still camera in the Video Mode.

[ncautoman57]

@KKD1247 Erica, I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed your Dad's videos very much. I had conversations with him several times. He was always very nice and helpful. I know how you feel because when I lost my Dad my world stopped for quite a while. It does get better over time. God bless you and your family. Like you said at least his memory lives on.

[ZmajSnoshaj]

You taught me a great deal of what I know about film making Kerry..

God bless you for your time here on Earth...

This video is almost perfect bro..............

~....

[BigJimW10]

I just got word tonight of Kerrys passing. I am numbed and shocked beyond belief. I don't know what else to say. :(

[ncautoman57]

Rest in peace my friend. God bless the kerry family. Rich

[fayeteville]

im sorry - kerry did a great job and always was ready to answer my questions-

[QRhuggies]

R.I.P.

[absoluteze2]

To all who have enjoyed Kerry's YouTube submissions over the years I have the sad duty to inform you that Kerry passed away yesterday.

He was a dear friend to me for over 35 years and we did many Night Life shows together back in the day.

He was a dear friend and my "big brother" in my heart.

His friendship and his talent will be truly missed.

Rest in Peace "mien freund"!

[ckikilwai]

Thanks for the great video Kerry!

(only one small remark, it's a Delta 4 rocket ;) )

[KKD1247]

I know...my Challenger video tribute that I put together right after the tradegy, received a lot of response and I think it aired 4 times or more during that period. Now its been seen by over 6700 preople! Good idea...I'll try & remember it!