Atlas IIAS/NRO Launch from Vandenberg AFB. 

 The last Atlas IIAS with a U.S. National Reconnaissance Office satellite liftsoff at 2:04a.m. PST Dec.2, 2003 from SLC-3

To read more about the Mission  Click Here!



Here is the Atlas IIAS pad about 14 hours before launch.

 

   
Liftoff at 2:03am local time!
 
 
 
  This photo and the one below were taken with a 28mm lens.





Another tight view of liftoff from a different angle.

  

 
A very rare clear night around South Vandenberg AFB.
 
 
 

From 4.2 miles away at the Press Site the Atlas heads South.
The SLC-4 Titan IV and Titan II pads to the right side of this image.

  

 
This photo taken shortly before launch with a 600mm lens from the Press Site.
 

 
 
  And finally a man made sunrise on the West Coast of California!



A closeup of the emblem on the Payload  Shroud


 
One last look at the SLC-3 pad thats going to be modified for the new Atlas 5 rocket.

Click on this text to see photos of the new Atlas 5's first launch!

 
Click here to see the first Atlas IIAS launch from Vandenberg AFB! 

 
Click here to see the previous Atlas II NRO launch from Vandenberg AFB! 

 



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