Early on the morning of 2008 March 3, the first-ever Atlas V booster to lift-off from Vandenberg AFB departed Space Launch Complex-3 and placed a classified payload into orbit for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Matt Batryn took this time exposure of the launch from Port San Luis, California, several miles north of the launch site. Clearly visible are the rocket's trajectory, including a lateral maneuver, and numerous star trails caused by the Earth's rotation. In the foreground are a bay and several boats. Batryn used a Nikon D70s digital camera, an 18-70mm lens set to 18mm, and an exposure of 207 seconds at f/3.5 and ISO 200. Copyright 2008, Matt Batryn. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Copyright © 2009, Brian Webb. All rights reserved.