STS-129:
Through the Clouds Not Around Them

On little more than a lark and with some luck I decided to head up to Cape Canaveral for the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-129. Fortunately the weather cooperated and the launch was a success.

Heat, and atmospheric distortions distort the image of Space Shuttle Atlantis moments after leaving the pad on STS-129.

The mornings weather didn’t look good, heavy overcast skies however, the forecast called for the cloud cover to clear by the 2:28 PM EST launch window.

Through the Clouds Not Around Them

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-129) clears the clouds on it's way to the International Space Station.

However, thing did clear enough that the launch was go on weather.

Space Shuttle Atlantis's smoke trail from the dunes at Jetty Park.