Cygnus NG-15 Launch

Every now and then NASA sends a resupply payload to the International Space Station. Some of the missions launch from the Midatlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS). My wife and I sometimes go watch the launch when the date/time is convenient.

We usually drive to Chincoteague and park on/near the causeway that leads to Assateague Island. There's a good view from there to the launch site.

While it's fun to watch this, photography is hard. The pad is several miles away, visible in the distance. Even on a cold day (like yesterday) there is a haze that makes sharp photos impossible.

Launch

The atmospheric distortion can even make the rocket itself look bent.

Distortion

As the rocket climbs, the air through which I'm shooting is cleaner and less disturbed, but by then the rocket is farther away so it appears smaller. This is also when the noise of the launch finally reaches the causeway. The roar is not loud, but lasts a while, even as the rocket disappears.

Climbing

Eventually the rocket gets far overhead and fades away.

High Up and about to Disappear from View

I was ready for the cloudy contrail this time. But, there was no nice pretty trail to shoot.