The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter was launched towards the Moon on 18 June at 5:32 pm EDT. The view from Banana Creek, near the KSC Apollo Saturn 5 Center (see figure below), was spectacular. From this distance (5.4 miles) not only was the spacecraft clearly visible but its roar was heard and felt a few seconds after liftoff. LRO is now headed for lunar orbit insertion (LOI) tomorrow morning (June 23 5:47 am EDT).
Viewing direction (5.4 miles) from Banana Creek to Atlas V launch pad (Image courtesy USGS).
Published by Mark Robinson on 22 June 2009