One of the challenges of seeing a launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California is actually seeing the launch. A marine layer of low clouds often rolls in from the Pacific, causing rockets to disappear seconds after liftoff. That was the case May 28, when a Falcon 9 launched EarthCARE, an Earth science spacecraft developed by the European Space Agency.

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

Jeff Foust writes about space policy, commercial space, and related topics for SpaceNews. He earned a Ph.D. in planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree with honors in geophysics and planetary science...