AtlasV MUOS 8 mins before liftoff

AtlasV MUOS launch by United Launch Alliance

Stunning downrange plume over the rising sun, about 3 mins after launch.

AtlasV MUOS launch by United Launch Alliance

AtlasV MUOS launch by United Launch Alliance

This is a 9-shot sequence of the MUOS4 AtlasV United Launch Alliance launch seen from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on the morning of September 2, 2015.

In particular, this shows the evolution of the dramatic plume that was illuminated by the rising sun. 

Liftoff was at 6:18am - The sequence spans roughly one minute of flight time, beginning at 6:20:47am (top left) and ending at 6:21:41am (bottom right).