THE LAUNCH OF ATLANTIS OF MAY 11th 2009

Any use of one of these images other than strictly private must be subject to prior authorization from legault@astrophoto.fr

Click on the images for full resolution display. Images taken from the press site of the Kennedy Space Center (closest observation point, 5 km from the launch pad). Two Canon 5D Mark II and Takahashi 5" refractor (FL 1000mm), Canon 135/2 and 24/1.4 II lenses.

 

The separation of the boosters at an altitude of 45 km, 2 minutes after launch:

 

Atlantis on the launch pad the evening before launch, viewed from the crawler transporter track:

 

The team of astronauts departing to the launch pad:

 

The countdown clock and, in the background, Atlantis before launch (center) and Endeavour (left), ready for an unlikely rescue mission:

 

The Imax camera on the grassland of the press site, with the Vehicle Asssembly Building (VAB) on the background:

 

The press site:

 

The press conference at the end of the mission:

Home page