At 12:15 this morning, an Atlas V rocket carrying a satellite for the US Air Force (it launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base) lifted off into orbit.
I decided to head up to the 528 Causeway just west of Port Canaveral to take some pictures and video to share with you.
This is only my 3rd attempt at long exposure photography, and to make sure I could get the best picture possible I also took some test shots prior to launch.
Below is the test shot where you can see the launch site illuminated by spot lights on the pad, then a long exposure of the Atlas rocket lifting off, and finally a time lapse video shot on a GoPro of the launch.
We also went live on Facebook with coverage. As you can see, I was right off the 528 Causeway along the river and there were families from Ohio there, a group of friends from Norway, and many spectators from Brevard and around the globe.
It was really cool to meet people who came from all over to see something that only took me 25 minutes to drive to get this view.
With more launches than ever happening on the Space Coast, I'm sure to head back to the 528 Causeway to watch another launch!