Shadow launching
VANDNEBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- 2nd Lt. Edward Schneider, a 4th Space Launch Squadron Delta IV vehicle engineer, monitors the Delta IV rocket here while shadowing the 45th Space Wing during a Delta IV medium-lift launch at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Thursday, March 4, 2010. The Delta IV rocket carries a Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite - P. The GOES-P provides weather monitoring and prediction capabilities, communications subsystems to rebroadcasts data, and space environmental monitoring instruments and sensors. Additionally, the satellite will provide more accurate information on the location of severe storms and other weather phenomena, resulting in earlier and more precise warnings to the public. The Delta IV launched at 6:57 p.m. EST. (U.S Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)