[bd476]

Let's hope fourth time is a charm. There are several "working" issues reported yet NASA announcer sounds optimistic for a launch at 3:02 a.m.

[Las Vegas Dave]

Thanks, will put on NASA tv now.

[bd476]

Delta II set to launch in approximately 21 minutes. 4th attempt, there are some issues, reservoir engine shifting condition evaluated and there is no problem.

Winds are a concern, they're looking at weather balloon readings and will resolve before the final 3 minute countdown. Also they confirm that range reports support launch.

[bd476]

NASA TV Live Web Stream Delta II Rocket Launch at 3:02 a.m. from Vandenberg Air Force Base Ping

Delta II set to launch in approximately 21 minutes. 4th attempt, there are some issues, reservoir engine shifting condition evaluated and there is no problem.

Winds are a concern, they're looking at weather balloon readings and will resolve before the final 3 minute countdown. Also they confirm that range reports support launch.

[bd476]

Delta II Rocket now has successfully transitioned to internal power.

Mission Director announced instructions that should a failure be noticed during the 4 minute final countdown, they should announce "Hold, hold, hold" except in the final 60 second countdown.

[bd476]

Second stage operations are operational. Weather is good. Final four minute countdown. Relief valve lets out steam, normal.

[bd476]

30, 25, 20 seconds LIFT OFF! Six of 9 boosters fully working, now final 3 boosters working, now jettisoned, 1,000 miles an hour. First stage guidance in. 5,200 miles an hour. 200 seconds past lift off.

[bd476]

220 seconds speed at 8400 miles an hour. Successful separation. Second stage operation. 12,000 miles an hour now.

[The KG9 Kid]

We went up to the roof and saw the launch. Looked like a meteor going sideways. The rocket exhaust dimmed as it left the atmosphere which was a sight to behold.

We could track it for about 45 seconds before the red dot finally disappeared. No sonic boom heard this far away.

[bd476]

Wahooooo! Congratulations NASA, JPL and all Aura Satellite Scientists and Personnel!

16,000 Miles per hour.

[asgardshill]

Congrats, guys. Looks like this one got off the pad OK.

[bd476]

Aura's Ride: 125 ft tall Delta II Rocket

[bd476]

Successful spacecraft separation announced on live NASA TV webstream. The satellite has reached correct orbit. Smiles and handshakes abound in Mission Control.

[Rockitz]

Hopefully the data from this payload will put some of the greenies out of business for a while.