Picture of the day - June 14, 2008

Liftoff of a Delta II Rocket

Photo courtesy of NASA. Although NASA's space shuttle missions get most of the press, the highly successful Delta II rocket is perhaps the real workhorse in the space agency's fleet. While space shuttle flights are limited to low earth orbits, the Delta II has successfully launched a bevy of satellites and robotic explorers into high orbits, and even on to other planets. A Delta II launch is quite an impressive event. With a thundering roar, the vehicle and its all-important payload slowly begin to rise into the air as the ground shakes beneath it. Just a short while later it approaches escape velocity, then before you know it the earth and the bulk of its gravitational forces lie far below. Another payload has made its way safely into space and the expendable Delta II has completed its one and only mission. What an amazing feat of aerospace engineering!     Visitor Comments... Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Amazing image today. All that power directed upward. I really like this picture!     Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Unusually beautiful!!   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!                                 Place the "Picture of the Day" on your website, for free! Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"