Today, United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully conducted a significant launch, showcasing its capabilities in space exploration. The mission involved deploying a payload into orbit, furthering advancements in satellite technology and national security. This launch marks another important milestone for ULA, reinforcing its position as a leader in the aerospace industry. This image was taken from a location on the beach in Vero Beach, Florida which is about 70 miles south of the launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

ULA Delta IV Heavy : NROL-44

If information within the below cited article is to be believed – do so at your own risk – this is OV-103 either on November 6, 1983, prior to touchdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), which is in the background, arriving from Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB); or, it’s OV-103 departing VAFB on November 8, 1983 embarking on its leg to Carswell Air Force Base, as part of the initial delivery of Discovery to KSC on November 9, 1983.

The Orbiter/Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) combination stopped at VAFB to test the Orbiter Lifting Fixture (OLF) there, a scaled-down version of the Mate-Demate Device (MDD) used at EAFB. At the time, NASA and the Department of Defense planned to fly space shuttles, with Discovery as the designated orbiter, from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6) on military polar orbital missions, beginning with STS-62A in 1986.

Article referenced:

www.nasa.gov/history/40-years-ago-space-shuttle-discovery...

For context, Honda Point, aka Point Pedernales, is immediately out of the frame to the left. What a tragedy, of which I was totally unaware:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Point_disaster

www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Articl...

A little over two kilometers out of frame to the right, slightly inland, is SLC-6.

Note the white color of the SCA, with a single blue stripe. The original American Airlines livery was repainted to this before flying to the May 1983 Paris Air Show.

This is a unique shot in that it’s one of the few I’ve seen of the Orbiter/SCA combo in a bank. Usually, the view is either in level flight, from above, or shortly before/after landing/taking off.

And check out the stark color/shade demarcation in the water. I initially thought it was a shadow cast by the nearby mountains, but I quickly ruled that out based on the other things visible. Maybe a cloud shadow? Algae? Water density differences? Changes in depth? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

oregonmarinereserves.com/2019/05/08/watergradients/

Credit: Oregon Marine Reserves website

The U.S. SpaceForce's SBIRS GEO 6 missile warning satellite is mounted atop its ride to space, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, in preparation to launch for Space Systems Command. Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance

This is the Navy Federal Credit Union branch at 12828 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA located in the Villages of Stoney Run shopping center. This branch opened in 2007.

The U.S. SpaceForce's SBIRS GEO 6 missile warning satellite is mounted atop its ride to space, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, in preparation to launch for Space Systems Command. Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance

View through the cockpit window.

The U.S. SpaceForce's SBIRS GEO 6 missile warning satellite is mounted atop its ride to space, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, in preparation to launch for Space Systems Command. Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance

This is the Navy Federal Credit Union branch at 12828 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA located in the Villages of Stoney Run shopping center. This branch opened in 2007.

The U.S. SpaceForce's SBIRS GEO 6 missile warning satellite is mounted atop its ride to space, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, in preparation to launch for Space Systems Command. Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance

The U.S. SpaceForce's SBIRS GEO 6 missile warning satellite is mounted atop its ride to space, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, in preparation to launch for Space Systems Command. Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance

This is the Navy Federal Credit Union branch at 12828 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA located in the Villages of Stoney Run shopping center. This branch opened in 2007.

The first reflight of a New Glenn booster, and the second successful landing aboard the company's drone ship Jacklyn.

November 13, 2020. ULA supporting NROL-101.

Doo Dah Parade 2014

Vice President Mike Pence participates in the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force Jay Raymond Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Vice President Mike Pence participates in the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force Jay Raymond Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Today, United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully conducted a significant launch, showcasing its capabilities in space exploration. The mission involved deploying a payload into orbit, furthering advancements in satellite technology and national security. This launch marks another important milestone for ULA, reinforcing its position as a leader in the aerospace industry. This image was taken from a location on the beach in Vero Beach, Florida which is about 70 miles south of the launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Cadets with the class of 2020 graduate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 18, 2020. Nearly 1,000 cadets commissioned into both the U.S. Air and Space Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)

"I've been waiting for this since 1966! Sign me up!"

Cadets with the class of 2020 graduate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 18, 2020. Nearly 1,000 cadets commissioned into both the U.S. Air and Space Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)

Cadets with the class of 2020 graduate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 18, 2020. Nearly 1,000 cadets commissioned into both the U.S. Air and Space Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)

I promise this is the last one. Concorde shot at Intrepid museum NYC + a little CS5 pp.

StarCom - Coleco -1987 - Space Force

This is the Navy Federal Credit Union branch at 12828 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA located in the Villages of Stoney Run shopping center. This branch opened in 2007.

This is the Navy Federal Credit Union branch at 12828 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, VA located in the Villages of Stoney Run shopping center. This branch opened in 2007.

Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence pose for a photo during a meeting about military spouse employment challenges and the military’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, at the White House, Washington, D.C., June 17, 2020. With the Vice President and Second Lady are, from left, the Secretary of Defense’s Chief of Staff Jennifer M. Stewart; Leah Esper, the wife of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper; Hollyanne Milley, the wife of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Milley; acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kenneth Cuccinelli; Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy; Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett; and Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

An honor it's been, Mr. President,

To serve you, for people like us.

For your principles, like mine,

Are the loftiest kind,

So--why am I UNDER THE BUS?

I've told all my colleagues, my family and friends,

You're the only politician I trust.

So, why when you're looking

For someone to blame,

I've been somehow thrown UNDER THE BUS?

I've never complained,

Your words are like God's,

I've worshipped you from dawn to dusk.

So, please make it clear,

Why I'm lying down here,

Very definitely UNDER THE BUS.

I've stood by your side,

Through all the fake news.

I've done what a good ally must.

So why, when I slip up and don't kiss your ass,

Do I find myself UNDER THE BUS?

At least I'm not alone.

There are hundreds of people

Sprawled out on the ground next to me.

Every Jack, Jill and Johnny,

Even Rudy Giuliani,

They must not have loved you enough,

So now, we're all UNDER THE BUS.

It looks like everyone you've ever known,

The bottom of the bus, they someday get shown.

Is this how you show love, some kind of affection?

Or is this just a strategy to win the election?

Am I making too much of a fuss?

Is that why, I'm UNDER THE BUS!

Of course, I never doubted you,

But I've one last thing to say:

When you get removed from office,

To avoid incarceration,

Leave the planet,

Join the Space Force,

JUST DON'T DRIVE THIS BUS AWAY!

B. Kite - 10/19/2019

www.aberrantart.com

spaceforce..

©MadDreamer ©2👽22/All rights reserved. Do not use without written permission from photographer/artist.

November 13, 2020. ULA supporting NROL-101.

Presentation of the 2022 Shine Award at the 2022 Air, Space & Cyber Conference at the Gaylord Hotel in Maryland, September 20, 2022. Photo: Air & Space Forces Magazine

Presentation of the 2022 Shine Award at the 2022 Air, Space & Cyber Conference at the Gaylord Hotel in Maryland, September 20, 2022. Photo: Air & Space Forces Magazine

The Atlas orbits the globe on the Allies Monument at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. #Veterans, #SpaceForce, #NASA, #Atlas, #brevardcountyfl, #Rocket, #launch

— with VNniem Nho Khong Ten and Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

Accelerating Space Acquisition. Speakers: Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration; Dr. Kelly Hammett, Director, Space Rapid Capabilities Office; Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Purdy, PEO Assured Access to Space; Brig. Gen. Steven P. Whitney, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. Moderator: RAAF Air Cmdr. Johnny Haly

2022 Air, Space & Cyber Conference at the Gaylord Hotel in Maryland, September 20, 2022. Photo: Air & Space Forces Magazine

Because you never know when a Gorn might show up...

Now we know where he gets his ideas!

The Future Of Air & Space Power. Speakers: Lt Gen S. Clinton Hinote, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, Integration, and Requirements, Headquarters; Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno, Director of Staff, U.S. Space Force. Moderator: RAF ACDR Jez Attridge at the Gaylord Hotel in Maryland, September 21, 2022. Photo: Mike Tsukamoto Air & Space Forces Magazine

Vice President Mike Pence participates in the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force Jay Raymond Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

A wreath for each branch of the military along with a wreath for those MIA.

Magnolia Cemetery, Andalusia, AL.

Vice President Mike Pence participates in the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force Jay Raymond Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Vice President Mike Pence participates in the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force Jay Raymond Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)

Cadets with the class of 2020 graduate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 18, 2020. Nearly 1,000 cadets commissioned into both the U.S. Air and Space Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)

Vice Chairman, of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten swears in nine of the newest U.S. Space Force officers via video teleconference at the Pentagon, Oct. 9, 2020. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley

America Under Attack—Defending the Homeland. Speakers: Gen Glenn D. VanHerck, Commander, U.S. Northern Command; Adm. Charles "Chas" A. Richard, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; Gen. James H. Dickinson, Commander, U.S. Space Command. Moderator: Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, USAF, Ret at the Gaylord Hotel in Maryland, September 21, 2022. Photo: Mike Tsukamoto Air & Space Forces Magazine

Cadets with the class of 2020 graduate at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 18, 2020. Nearly 1,000 cadets commissioned into both the U.S. Air and Space Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.T. Armstrong)