SNOE / BATSET Pegasus XL launched

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Despite many low clouds I managed to glimpse at least part of the
Pegasus XL launch from my location about 128km (80 miles) NE of the
drop point.  Clouds hugging the horizon blocked my view of the ignition,
but a hole allowed me to follow it until it reached a point about
20 degrees in elevation.  I saw distinct variations in the exhaust
brightness, which I assume were an artifact caused by intervening clouds.
One thing I didn't expect to see, but did, was a slight luminescence of
a portion of the trailing wake well behind the vehicle.  During the time
I followed with binoculars no staging was observed.  I believe it was
launched about a minute before the posted 11:07pm PST time.

 Craig Cholar    3432P@VM1.CC.NPS.NAVY.MIL

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