STS-129 Launch

[The Edge]

Not sure what category these pictures would come under but I will try them here and see if the mods want to move them.

I went down to the Cape last Monday for the launch of Atlantis on STS-129. Courtesy of a good friend and his colleague (a retired astronaut) we got a great location to watch from. It was worth dragging a large piece of glass and tripod down to Florida, that's for sure.

Here you go. Enjoy them now since there are only a few launched left - which is what finally made me get into gear and down there.

Rob

PS: Think an animated GIF could come out of this!

[phoenixegmh]

Cracking set of pics!

[Phill318]

I am sooo jealous right now. I would love to go and see a shuttle launch. Doubt it will be possible.
Great pics really like them

[Daveayr]

Thanks for sharing them. Really enjoyed them. What length lens were you using? ie How far away do they keep you? Is it as noisy as it looks? Would love to see a launch but I also doubt it will be poss
D

[phoenixegmh]

If my memory serves me correctly (it was 2002 that I saw a launch), you are something like 3 miles from the launch site.

It's quite spectacular with the sound as it doesn't hit you for a few seconds due to the distance.

[The Edge]

Cheers everyone. I was using a 500mm with a 1.4x t/c and was indeed just over 3 miles away. Not many left so if you can find a way to be there, I would certainly try it. It was loud but not as much as I expected. Standing next to a runway is certainly noisier but then 3 miles is a long way and the wind was blowing against it so that probably reduced the sound a little.

Rob

[nick197]

Love them all, I can almost feel the POWER

[Gary]

Great shots So jealous

[ElliotDC]

Really really great shots... love the one of the solid fuel boosters being jettisoned...

EDC