Scope Diagram Astrocamera.Net - Astrophotography by Dave Kodama  

Minuteman Rocket Launch - Oct 2, 1999


 

Spectacular Pollution!


This was a Minuteman test firing from Vandenberg AFB. The actual vehicle ascent was visible just a few minutes before this shot was taken. The launch occurred just after sunset. Colors were enhanced by smoke from distant brush fires.

 

About 10 minutes later, the trail had been considerably contorted by upper atmosphere winds.