UPDATE: NASA launches robotic explorer to moon from Va.
NASA’s newest robotic explorer is on its way to the moon.
An unmanned rocket blasted off from Virginia’s Eastern Shore late Friday night, carrying the LADEE spacecraft.
It was a change of venue for NASA, which typically launches its moon missions from Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch provided a rare light show along the East Coast for those blessed with clear skies.
NASA expected the launch to be visible, weather permitting, as far south as South Carolina, as far north as Maine and as far west as Pittsburgh.
The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer, or LADEE, should reach the moon on Oct. 6. It will orbit Earth’s closest neighbor for a few months, analyzing the ever-so-delicate atmosphere and lunar dust. The six-month mission costs $280 million.
***********
A rocket to study the moon’s atmosphere takes off tonight from Virginia — the first time a rocket launched from the Wallops Flight Facility will go beyond the Earth’s orbit. NASA says if you want to see the launch look to the east around 11:27 Friday night. More from WFIR’s Starr Anderson.
