[ Return to Flight - Launch of Discovery ]
This gallery contains images from the launch of space shuttle Discovery from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This was the first launch since the Columbia accident in February 2003.
[ Titan 4B Launch on 14 Feb 2004 ]
Photos of the launch of a Titan 4B carrying a Telstar6 Satellite from Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral AS, Florida.
[ Titan 4B Launch on 30 April 2005 ]
Launch of a Titan 4B carrying a Galaxy 3 satellite from Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral AS, Florida. This was the final Titan launch at the Cape Canaveral AS. The Titan lift system has been retired and had its final launch ever at Vandenberg AFB, CA a couple months after this.
16-JAN-2003
Space Shuttle Columbia's Final Launch
This photo shows the launch of the space shuttle Columbia on its final voyage. It was taken from the central housing area of Patrick Air Force Base, which is the home base of the 45th Space Wing.
It's ironic that, as we all stood there watching, we realized that this was probably one of the most beautiful day launchs in a while. As you can see, the sky was perfectly clear and blue.
Nov(?) 2000
Endeavour on the Pad
There are signs along the roads leading to the launch pads that read: "No Stopping Any Time". Okay, so I stopped for a couple minutes....This photo was shot back late 2000.
05-FEB-2004
Lockheed Atlas 2AS Night Launch
The launch of a Lockheed Martin Atlas 2AS from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida. This was taken from my backyard in Melbourne.
05-FEB-2004
Lockheed Atlas 2AS Night Launch - Moonlit Contrail
The contrail from the launch of a Lockheed Martin Atlas 2AS from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida.
22-NOV-2002
Space Shuttle Endeavour on Pad 39-A
This was taken of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39-A, with the moon rising in the background. The launch was the final for Endeavour before the Columbia disaster. The launch for this particular evening was scrubbed due to winds. We came back the following night for the eventual launch. Launch pad 39-B can be seen in the middle.
09-DEC-2006
Shuttle Night Launch
This is my first attempt at a night launch with this camera. Obviously, I need to work at it...lol.
08-JUN-2007
Where Nature Meets Technology
The United Launch Alliance rocket and payload assembly building stands in the background, while birds pay a visit to one of the many islands in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station are both located within the Merritt Island NWR and Cape Canaveral National Seashore complex.
08-JUN-2007
Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch Plume
As you can probably tell, the exhaust plume drifted some before I took this. The launch pad from which Atlantis lifted off is the structure to the right. The one to the left is the other Shuttle (and former Saturn V) launch pad.
08-JUN-2007
Space Shuttle Atlantis - Booster Seperation
This is a shot of the solid rocket boosters as they separate from the external tank and shuttle assembly. This occurs approximately two minutes after launch.
Please check out the other launch photos in this gallery. Thanks!
