Recent rocket launches in Virginia have brought McLean students closer to the action.

On September 6th and September 18, two rockets were launched from Wallops Island, VA off the east coast. The first, a Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer, (LADEE) will gather information from the moon’s atmosphere and surface, and the second, an Antares V rocket will test the Cygnus module in transporting material to the International Space Station.

Senior Ben Bloom witnessed the LADEE launch from McLean on September 18th. “I think it’s really cool that Northern Virginia will be part of the evolving commercial space program.” Bloom said.

LADEE will continue on its journey to the moon in the coming days and is scheduled for a 160 day mission. Senior Trevor McMillan traveled to the launch site on September 6th to get a closer look. “More students that are interested in space exploration can watch a launch without traveling very far.” McMillan said.

Since Wallops Island is so close to Northern Virginia (NoVa), the launches were visible from McLean. This allowed McLean High School students had the chance to see rocket launches from closer than ever before.