After numerous attempts, the GRAIL spacecrafts are finally on their way to the moon aboard the Delta-II rockets. Here we bring you the freshest photos from the launch.
The Delta II rockets were finally launched during the second window on 10th September at 09:08:52 AM EST. The first window opportunity was not availed because of upper atmospheric conditions. The launch was absolutely successful!
Our GRAIL coverage:
The GRAIL launch buildup: http://techie-buzz.com/science/nasa-new-moon-mission-grail.html
The GRAIL NASA Tweetup: http://techie-buzz.com/science/nasa-moon-grail-tweetup.html
NASA’s Awesome Moon Pics Two Days Before GRAIL Launch: http://techie-buzz.com/science/lro-nasa-moon-photos.html
GRAIL Scrubbed and Moon’s North Pole Pic: http://techie-buzz.com/science/grail-launch-scrub-moon-photo.html
Both the First and Second Stage Delta II rockets were ignited perfectly. GRAIL-A, one of the twin spacecrafts, separated from the module at 10:29 AM EST. GRAIL-B separated out at 10:39 AM EST.
Enjoy the GRAIL launch photos below!
Delta II rockets on the launch pad
Still on the pad. T-30 second till launch
Launch!! GRAIL is on its way to the moon
T-10 seconds into flight
launch
The first stage rocket separation.
The Second Stage of the Delta-II Rocket Separation. Showing GRAIL-A breaking off from the Delta Module. It is now flying solo. Taken by the Separation Cam on the Delta rocket nose. The rectangular falling payload is the GRAIL-A spacecraft.
Earth as seen by the Delta rocket after the GRAIL-A separation (Courtesy: NASA TV)
We wish GRAIL the very best for the mission. The Moon’s secrets shall be known!
Courtesy: NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ NASA-TV
Our GRAIL coverage:
The GRAIL launch buildup: http://techie-buzz.com/science/nasa-new-moon-mission-grail.html
The GRAIL NASA Tweetup: http://techie-buzz.com/science/nasa-moon-grail-tweetup.html
NASA’s Awesome Moon Pics Two Days Before GRAIL Launch: http://techie-buzz.com/science/lro-nasa-moon-photos.html
GRAIL Scrubbed and Moon’s North Pole Pic: http://techie-buzz.com/science/grail-launch-scrub-moon-photo.html
