UPDATE: NASA has postponed this sounding rocket launch after the vehicle came in contact with a launcher support during an inspection on Wednesday. The rocket will now launch no earlier than 8:04 p.m. on May 16.
If you have a clear view of the Northeastern Sky, you might be able to see the KiNET-X 4 stage-sounding rocket launch from NASA Wallops Flight Facility this weekend. Here are the launch details as of Friday at 5 pm.
![](https://digital-stage.wavy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/Rocket-Launch-Map.png?w=900)
Launch T-0: 8:03 PM Sunday May 9
Launch Window: 40 minutes
Backup Launches Windows: Through May 16
Vapors Released 9 min 30 seconds – 10 minutes after launch.
This rocket is going to release vapors in upper atmosphere to study Earth’s Magnetic field. For us, we might see green and possible purple clouds.
![](https://digital-stage.wavy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/NASA-Image.png?w=900)
To the human eye, the violets are the hardest to see, the green colors will be more visible. If you have a camera get it set up on a tripod for a chance for a great picture.
I would recommend going to the North End of Virginia Beach, or another suitable area where you can see a clear view of the east and northeast sky. keep in mind some cities have closure rules for parks at sunset.
You can watch the launch here online:
Wallops Video Site
Launch Information
Enjoy the launch!
Meteorologist Jeff Edmondson