Anonymous
Team Vandenberg successfully launched a Delta II rocket carrying NASAs ICESat-2 payload from Space Launch Complex-2 here, Saturday, September 15, at 6:02 a.m. PDT. (Photo: VAFB)
By Anthony Galván III
The last Delta II rocket to lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force base left the launch pad at 6:02 am, PDT Saturday with a NASA Earth observation satellite payload.
The lift-off was set back due to problems with temperature readings on the launch vehicle. This was the 155th Delta II rocket launched from both California and Florida launch centers. The first Delta II was launched in 1989 from Florida with the first California launch in 1995.
The Delta II has carried the majority of the Iridium communication satellites in orbit between 1998 and 2002.
The early morning launch was visible as the rocket’s exhaust plume was illuminated by the morning sun. However, downrange stage separation provided a spectacular view of the exhaust plume as the rocket climbs out of the earth’s shadow into direct sunlight.
Below photos by Anthony Galván III
