"Alexander Avtanski" wrote in message
...
I just saw the Peacekeeper launch from Vandenberg AFB (California).
Excellent view from San Jose - I've seen several launches from here,
and this one was in the "very good" category. Bright yellow-orange
exhaust, separation of the first stage clearly visible; after
separation could trace the first stage boosters falling down for
about 30 sec.

The sight of couple of dozen million dollars evaporating is
always impressive, :-)

- Alex

I saw one from 1 mile down range back in 1992. I worked on the Minuteman
III and just so happened to be present for a Peacekeeper launch. Very
impressive stuff and I remember it just as you described. The one cool
thing I did get to see was the missile exit the launch tube and light the
first stage because we had a downhill vantage point to the launch facility.

Maybe I'll get to see another some day. :-)