of the Delta II rocket carrying the Kepler Space Telescope into orbit. The launch tower has been rolled back (click to enlarge image) and there is a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of launch. I'll be back in a couple of hours to add some entries.OK. I've got a glass of wine (a nice Washington state Cabernet) sitting a safe distance from the keyboard, and the satellite TV is tuned to the NASA channel.
6:08 pm - weather briefing concludes with 100% favorable weather at launch time; liquid oxygen fueling commences.
7:02 pm - everything is go; no technical issues.
7:34 pm - the launch director is polling each system lead in the control room: check, check, check, check and check. The launch vehicle is armed.
7:46 pm - final four minutes of the countdown; all is go; final pressure checks.
7:50 pm - good liftoff.
7:52 pm - 31 mi high, 79 mi down range.
7:53 pm - velocity 8,962 mi/hr.
7:55 pm - main engine cutoff; stage 2 ignition OK.
7:57 pm - 89 mi high, 641 mi down range, velocity 13,484 mi/hr. Wow.
8:00 pm - second stage engine cutoff.
8:01 pm - 104 mi high, 1,857 mi down range, 16,947 mi/hr. Spacecraft is now in cruise phase for about an hour, then another burn on the 2nd stage.
That was exciting. All for now. Need another glass of wine.
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