Watch Minotaur IV Soar And Roar

We took some great video of the Minotaur IV launch today

Get up at 3 AM, jump in the truck, and roll to Virginia to watch the Minotaur IV launch. This is after shooting the evening comet NEOWISE last night. Then the space station crossing the sky and some shooting stars. Busy night in space for this tired cosmo-nerd. I picked up Cody Croswell, he got a new lens for the camera to try and of course maybe he will send up the drone for some video.

We arrived at our chosen area to observe the launch. Wallops is closed to visitors and media for this launch. Not just covid restrictions, but military in this case. Super secret Space Force payloads.
Not having that access gave us an opportunity to view a launch elsewhere. We are a little spoiled with media access and a big field to ourselves. Well not spoiled, just missing the convenience. Also not being able to go as media means we had to miss seeing many who have become friends over the years.

We met the rest of the “crew” at 5 AM, I fired up the coffee maker. Everyone set up their gear. The boat ramp was going to get crowded. Arriving early allows for some elbow room and to claim some space. Kind of like a surf fishing beach in Delaware State Parks.
Everyone is discussing new camera gear, the last we saw each other at the Antares launch, and joking about everything. That early in the morning and not much sleep, makes for hilarious conversations. It was great seeing everyone. We were even talking to friends on the island working the launch.

The launch was at 9 AM “ish” we are really early for a reason. Not just parking space, but also to get some early morning sunrise shots. We always go early for these shots, and make a day of it. I should have brought a fishing rod and got my Virginia fishing license. The mullet schools were thick in the marsh creek and being chased by something. But we were on a mission, also I was making coffee. I added a coffeemaker to the beast. Because fresh coffee at 5 AM anywhere is perfect.

The crew was all set up and now we wait. More conversation, and texting friends on the base. “Can you guys see us all the way over here? Should we wave? Wave a flashlight in the air, can you send up a flare?”
I’m trying to figure out if I am going to film with the camera or the phone, as usual I opt for the phone. The Samsung S10 takes killer video (below). Cody is checking the drone regulations, we are a go with a registered flight plan. Epic!
“Can you shoot during launch?”
“So far we have a green light, but you never know.”
I won’t ruin it, but that footage is amazing!

The coffeemaker is taking too long, turns out that cheap Chinese two thousand watt power inverter is junk. Black and Decker seven hundred and fifty watt inverter to the rescue. Now we are brewing. The gear is finally set up, cameras are popping off pictures of the Minotaur IV on the pad. The sun is up, and the heat has cranked up. We are going to get hot. Everyone is wearing their masks or gators and practicing safe social distancing. We have a crew of people from Florida to New York and between. Great time!

The launch is about a half an hour away. We are checking NASA’s live feed on Wallops U tube Channel. We know that feed is on a bit of a delay for the countdown, we just need a thirty second warning.
The problem is the Minotaur launches so fast if you blink you will miss it. Also we are sure there will be a delay, I mean there always seems to be. Annnnnnnd, there is a boat in the way, we are now in red range.
NASA can only ask that boats move out of the zone, it is not required apparently, which is weird, but okay. We had sixteen minutes to go, and now are on hold. The window is four hours for launch. Unlike the Antares which is minutes for a launch window, we could be delayed for hours. It is a few fishermen in a boat. Everyone looks at me.
“Friends of yours?”
“Nooooo!! …. Maybe” We all laugh.

Tick Tock … we are sweating to death, no wind, but not many bugs. I am passing out cold water like candy. The truck is always loaded for these situations, now if they would just let me drive it onto base. We regroup in the shade for a hot minute, literally. We get the text, back on, ten minutes to launch. Wooo Hooo this will be a go, the weather is perfect. A small breeze kicks up and drops the humidity over the marsh. The air clears up , pictures are going to look much better.

TWO MINUTES!! Shouts someone, from somewhere in the crowd. There are a lot of people down by the marsh to watch this launch at this point. Not overly crowded like most launches. Some of the roads we usually use are closed for safety concerns.
Everyone is spread out to get a view and some space. I’m on the roof of the truck. Cameras at the ready. A mental countdown occurs at this point. We don’t have the usual loudspeaker ticking off the seconds. I do miss hearing those NASA boys ticking off stats up to the launch. The monotone of calm is amazing, these guys could put a golf announcer to sleep. Yet it is exciting.

The Minotaur fires, the cameras go crazy. Some of us later than others. Again this is a tough rocket to shoot, you blink and it is gone. And when NASA sends it, they really send it!
The crowd cheers, perfect liftoff and by the time you get to think about it, the rocket is streaking across the sky.
When Antares launches there is a brief period of a “slower” liftoff, almost like it floats in midair, but massive power when it starts really climbing.
The Minotaur is solid rocket fuel, these go off like a bottle rocket on steroids. Quick, hard, and loud.
The crowd cheers again and claps. Everyone gathers their gear and we all say our goodbyes. Until we see each other again at the next launch at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.
Nice work folks, impressive as usual.

Minotaur Launch Video … From the ground, the drone footage is also below.

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