UPDATE 12-19-13 Launch delayed until January due to ISS EVA work.
Hello fellow east coast rocket launch watchers! Get out your binoculars you will get another chance to see the a launch from Wallops Island Va this Thursday Dec. 19, 2013 at 9:42 p.m. EST. The last launch on November 19th was excellent and easily viewed from most of the north eastern United States. Orbital’s Antares rocket and the Cygnus commercial cargo re-supply vehicle to IIS are now scheduled to launch from Pad 0A at the Wallops Flight Facility, Va.. NASA TV coverage of launch will begin at 8:45 p.m. EST. You can easily watch it with the naked eye but binoculars would be recommended for extended viewing. The rock is easy to pick out from other air traffic and stars as it is a bright orange and moving rapidly UP! Depending on how far you are you will also see the rocket plume or tail. The tail was easy to spot as far away as Lancaster Pa,
Follow the launch status on TWITTER Click here
Unfortunately the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous so it will be about 92 percent full. This is not optimal but don’t worry, the last launch had the same conditions and it was excellent.
On the evening of November 19th 2013 much of the east coast of the United States was able to see the last launch of an Orbital Sciences rocket supporting the U.S. Air Force ORS-3 mission. Read the Viewing report for that launch. There is a chance the launch will be rescheduled if an EVA takes place to repair a cooling line on the ISS.
Read: LADEE MOON Launch Will be Seen as Far Away as Maine
If you cannot make it don’t worry more launches are scheduled from Wallops Island Va. to resupply the space station and support other missions.
Watch live feed below!
Live streaming video by Ustream
HAPPY VIEWING!
