STS-131 shuttle launch

[rtphokie]

Liftoff was at 6:21am about an hour before sunrise just as the sun was starting to give a hint of pink on the horizon. Even 12 miles away at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, we could see the pad:

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/Travel/STS-131/IMG5991/828343472_Ptcu9-M.jpg

But as the time grew closer, it became clear that my tripod wasn't tall enough and i'd just need to go hand held. I guessed on the exposure and missed but oh well, they came out better than I though they would.

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/Travel/STS-131/IMG6149/828343515_995su-L.jpg

We also got the treat of an ISS pass a few minutes before the launch. It passed just below the moon:
http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/Travel/STS-131/IMG6088/828378925_8b3Lk-M.jpg

Skies were clear and we were able to follow the shuttle through SRB separation:

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/gallery/11735338_vniwz/#828381367_tmRsr

and on through Main Engine Cutoff (sorry no photo, its way downrange at that point and I only had a 300mm lens and a 8MP camera, it would have been a couple of blurry pixels at that point).

What I hadn't expected was how beautiful the contrails left by the launch plum that time of morning. They changed color minute by minute as the sun rose.

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/Travel/STS-131/IMG6316/828343536_JwpJg-L.jpg

A few minutes after launch, looking up the causeway over Indian River between Titusville and the KSC Visitors Complex.

http://rtphokie.smugmug.com/Travel/STS-131/IMG6327/828343553_Laake-M.jpg

About 20 minutes later looking out to the East

This was likely the last night launch for the shuttle program.

[Daisy14'sDH]

Those are from 12 miles away! wow, what were you shooting with?

[SrisonS]

Awesome set of shots!!!! If this was the last night launch, it was perfect. The skies were totally clear, and you could follow the shuttle longer on it's path than usual. Most times, I can only see the shuttle up to the point of booster separation; but a few seconds later, it appeared with a whole new trail that I haven't seen before (kinda looked like the wake from a ship). I really hope one of these last few are a night launch.

[rtphokie]

Those are from 12 miles away! wow, what were you shooting with?

A 8MP Canon Rebel 350 and a 2nd hand 300mm f5.6 lens. Went with a fast shutter speed and it still wasnt fast enough.

[KAT4DISNEY]

That's great you were finally able to see the launch - and a night one at that! The contrail patterns and colors are quite cool. :thumbsup2

[ukcatfan]

I was about 200+ miles away and I got to see it fairly well. Because it was so far away and still dark, none of my shots came out, but it was a beautiful sight to see. I have probably seen about five or so launches from here now. A couple were not the shuttle though. My daughter was there for the launch, but didn't manage to get any usable shots with the S2 IS I sent with her. (I wanted to send the old K100D, but she had to travel light with her CAP flight) She had a great time and that is what really mattered.