It was supposed to be the biggest launch off the West Coast.
Ever.
Officials predicted it might break some windows. News reports cautioned: “This one will be loud.” Locals prepared to be rattled.
Ultimately, the National Reconnaissance Office Delta-IV Heavy L-49 launch didn’t live up to the hype. Or, in the whispered words of my 8-year-old: “It kind of sucked.”
The payload, however, didn’t suck. At least I don’t think it did. I can’t be sure, because the payload is “classified.” That’s another way of saying, in polite terms, that the payload is “none of your business.” According to an article at NasaSpaceFlight.com, the secret cargo is widely believed to be a reconnaissance satellite that can return images electronically rather than by film. And since the NRO is a formerly classified Department of Defense organization charged with designing, building, and operating the nation’s reconnaissance satellites for clients like the CIA, we can only wonder.
Adding to the curiosity is the mission patch, which features a phoenix rising from flames and the words “Melior diabolous quem scies,” which translates into “Better the Devil You Know.” The launch patch features the image of a devil.
Yeah, I know: deep stuff, right? So, like always, we packed up the kids and cameras and hiked out to the viewing platform at Firefighter Road near Vandenberg Air Force Base to watch this massive rocket hurl this devil-watching satellite—if that’s what it is—into space.
The rocket that lifted off from Space Launch Complex-6 on Jan. 19 was reported to be taller than a 23-story building. We gathered with hundreds of other rocket watchers into an informal sort of get-together, resembling a football tailgate party minus the shirtless multi-color-painted fans. Also, I don’t think there was any beer—but some people had motor homes and lawn chairs and looked like they’d been sitting out in the sun for quite a while, so I can’t be sure about that, either.
One thing everyone out to witness the launch shared, however, was a “What the …?” expression when it happened.
“I thought it was going to be louder,” you could easily hear everyone mumbling.
I guess we locals are a little spoiled at having seen so many rocket launches. Not to diminish the success of the super-duper-top-secret-classified payload that probably is one of those things that makes it so we don’t have to think about the imminent threat we’re under from little yapper-dog countries that hate us, but, like kids, we’re a just a little jaded.
Rocket no go boom.
That’s OK. Plenty of United Launch Alliance, NRO, and military officials are thrilled at the success of the launch, even if it didn’t create a spectacular thud. And what really counts is the importance of the thing rather than giving us a show.
So, secret-devil-watching-satellite-launching guys and gals who turned a wrench, inspected, supervised, or took any part in this launch, we applaud you.
Where is the best place to take in the next rocket-gate launch-viewing party if you’re not a top-secret-cleared official VIP? We regulars like to go to the viewing pad on Firefighter Road. You won’t see the rocket on the pad, but you’ll get a fair and unobstructed enough view of the rocket shortly after it lifts off, but while it’s still pretty low in the sky.
Harris Grade Road heading into Lompoc from Highway 1 is another great place to watch. Arrive early and take the winding road to the top of the grade and pull into one of the vista point turnouts. You’ll get a clear view over the Lompoc Valley and a great view of the launch.
Surf Beach in Lompoc is another good place. It also makes a good photo opportunity to get a shot of the ocean with the rocket above. Marshallia Golf Course is another possibility, with the added plus that you can fit in a round of golf—since you’re there and all. There are many excellent viewing spots, but mostly it’s what you make of it. For the next launch, grab some friends, lawn chairs, cameras, and picnic food and get ready to be awed—or not—and make a daytrip out of it.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone can turn any event into a tailgate party. Pass the dogs to scone@santamariasun.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 3, 2011.
