Press Photo Atlas-Centaur launches Orbiting Astronomical Observatory - now36527

Fiery 135-foot-tall Atlas-Centaur rocket blazes away from Cape Kennedy, Florida launch pad at 3:40 a.m. EST Saturday enroute to successfully launching the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 2 satellite. Packed with 11 telescopes, the two-ton spacecraft is to give man his first clear look at stars above the distorting veil of the earth's atmosphere.

Photo is undated.

Photo measures 8 x 9.5 inches.