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In pictures: Beautiful night launch sends Cygnus on its way

Jason Davis

Written by Jason Davis
March 23, 2016

Night launches are usually stunning, and yesterday's Cygnus liftoff was no exception. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasted off on time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 11:05 p.m. EDT (3:05 UTC Wednesday), carrying the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo spacecraft into orbit. Cygnus is carrying three-and-a-half tons of crew supplies and science experiments to the International Space Station. It will arrive early Saturday morning.

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Atlas V and the Moon before Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch
Atlas V and the Moon before Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch Image: United Launch Alliance
Atlas V stands ready before Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch
Atlas V stands ready before Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch Image: United Launch Alliance
Reflections at Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch
Reflections at Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch Image: NASA / Kim Shiflett
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: liftoff!
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: liftoff! Image: NASA / Kim Shiflett
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: ascent
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: ascent Image: NASA / Tony Gray & Kevin O'Connell
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: disappearing into clouds
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: disappearing into clouds Image: NASA / Kim Shiflett
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: arcing trail
Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-6 launch: arcing trail Image: NASA / Ben Smegelsky

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