Part 2/6:
The weather conditions appeared favorable, with the white clouds venting from the rocket's engines identified as condensation rather than any sign of gases being released prematurely. The launch director issued a clear "go for launch," signaling confidence in the readiness of the vehicle and its systems.
Liftoff and Early Flight
At T-0, the Falcon 9 roared to life, igniting all nine Merlin 1D engines at full thrust, resulting in the triumphant liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The immediate post-liftoff phase saw the rocket ascending vertically, with performance parameters indicating normal operation as it entered the early stages of flight.