SBIRS GEO-5 AtlasV by United Launch Alliance

"A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO) Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) lifted off on May 18 at 1:37 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station." (ULA press release)

 This was the view from Playalinda Beach, 6.2 miles north of the pad. I think I've only ever shot one launch from this somewhat storied location. 

 This is shot at 430mm with a crop factor of 1.6x, and I'm at access point #4. So, everyone at access points 1-3 is compressed into the frame. The beach was certainly busy, but the lens compression makes it look extra-busy.

SBIRS GEO-5 AtlasV by United Launch Alliance

"A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO) Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) lifted off on May 18 at 1:37 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station." (ULA press release)

 This was the view from Playalinda Beach, 6.2 miles north of the pad. I think I've only ever shot one launch from this somewhat storied location. 

 When I first arrived, I had a different frame set up. But a few minutes before the launch, a work matter popped up, requiring me to break everything down and run to the car (crashing surf in the background when I returned the phone call would have been no Bueno). When I finished the call, I only had a few moments to reset, and this was where I ended up, right at the base of the ramp to entry #4. 

 This frame is shot at 135mm with a crop factor of 1.6x; the earlier, busier shot I posted is seriously compressed at 430mm.