Launch!

When the countdown reached T-60 seconds, Mike Money AC7TT of Merlin Systems took over at the Stratofox base radio station. Ian grabbed his camera already prepared on its tripod and ran up to the flight line where the view was unobstructed. By T-10 seconds he was ready.

At the first sign of smoke, he began taking pictures. And with a lot of luck they turned out very well. It was hard to get a picture of this launch because the rocket jumped off the pad so fast.

(1024x1536 670K) (500x750 28K)	Ignition! (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1024x1536 483K) (500x750 20K)	Liftoff! (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 377K) (500x333 5K)	The rocket flew straight with a thunderous roar. But the winds quickly shear the trail into a chaotic pattern. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1041K) (500x333 25K)	Everyone awaits news... (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1225K) (500x333 36K)	Smiles break out as confirmation is received that the nose section has separated from the booster. Everything is working... (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 856K) (500x333 21K)	The crew from Pinnacle Media Group interviews Ky Michaelson for their documentary. Needless to say, Ky is getting very emotional at this point. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1011K) (500x333 28K)	Smiles are all around... (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1015K) (500x333 28K)	Everyone assembles at launch control after the flight. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1079K) (500x333 31K)	The champaign is out now... (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1147K) (500x333 33K)	The champaign is uncorked... the cork was too fast for the camera. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 897K) (500x333 29K)	Ky makes a toast to GoFast for sponsoring the launch, with one of their own drinks of course. (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1222K) (500x333 33K)	Celebrating success... (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)
(1536x1024 1241K) (500x333 32K)	Celebrating success... (photo by Ian Kluft KO6YQ)

Back up to Stratofox's CSXT SpaceShot 2004 pictures