GPS 2F-4 (Atlas V) A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts Global Positioning System satellite GPS 2F-4 into orbit for the U.S. Air Force on 15 May 2013 at 5:38 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. RIGHT: A view of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center as seen from the Saturn V Center. BELOW: An Air Force surveillance helicopter buzzes past. |
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A flock of juvenile White Ibis fly by Space Launch Complex 41where the Atlas rocket waits for launch. | |
LEFT: Note the white frost covering the copper-colored first stage loaded with liquid oxygen. The bulbous fairing at top contains the GPS satellite.
BELOW: Vultures drifted into camera view during the launch. |
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The images above have been processed to bring out the colors and shapes in the ever-changing exhaust plume. | |
After the launch the helicopter flew by again. The man sitting in the doorway with his legs dangling over the side must be enjoying the ride and the view. | |
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