Frog pops up in launch photo-Oh my! We’re not sure to laugh or cry on this one (maybe both). This frog gives new meaning to “flying leap” (or giant leap). This little guy was obviously startled by the ignition of the Minotaur 5 rocket that launched the LADEE spacecraft last Friday.
We’ve confirmed this image is in fact an actual photo taken by one of NASA’s remote cameras set up for the launch from the Wallops/Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Wallops spokesman Jeremy Eggers confirms the picture is legitimate and was not altered in any way.

However, we cannot say with any certainty that no frog was harmed in the making of this picture.

Why would a frog be hanging around a launchpad? The launch pad at the Wallops/Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceporthas a “pool” for the high-volume water deluge system that activates during launches to protect the pad from damage and for noise suppression. There was probably a (formerly) damp, cool place that was a nice spot for a frog to hang out.