by Bill Westphal
Special to Altadenablog
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket carrying a classified cargo for the nation's spy satellite agency launched last night during a primetime blastoff from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Liftoff was at 9:03:30 p.m. local time from Space Launch Complex 3-East. The 19-story rocket was visible across the region as a flame in the night sky, streaking southward to orbit.
This 40 second exposure, taken from my backyard in Altadena, shows the red glow from the liquid rocket slowly climbing into the sky.
Solid Rocket Engines, like those in the Delta or Minotaur booster rockets usually produce a better show especially closer to sunset. A spectacular Minotaur launch can be seen here: http://www.westphalfamily.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=11&pos=3
