Atlas 5 puts on spectacle for beachgoers

Dreary skies and a bleak weather forecast didn't stop a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket from launching Tuesday with the U.S. Air Force's X-37B miniature space shuttle, an unmanned platform orbiting Earth whose mission and purpose are secret.

Liftoff was at 1:03 p.m. EST (1803 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

These views were captured at Playalinda Beach less than 5 miles north of the launch pad.

See our Mission Status Center for the latest news on the launch.

Photo credit: Stephen Clark/Spaceflight Now