Photographing a NASA rocket launch??

Hi, I wasn't sure were to post this, but I suppose a rocket is technically a form of transportation, so I thought I'd try here. I wont be offended if it gets moved though...
Anyway, on Jan 17th NASA is launching the new Pluto mission on an Atlas launch vehicle. It should be quite a sight, it being the "fastest rocket ever launched," and I am fortunate enough to be in the VIP section to watch this thing go up. That's not quite as close as the press get, but almost as good.
Obviously I want to photograph the launch, and that's where I have a question that hopefully someone on here can answer: How much should I underexpose from what the meter tells me when I take a metering just before launch. I know that the flames will really illuminate things, but I am not sure by how much I need to compensate for this to avoid them getting completely blown out. (I suppose a little blowing out might be ok in the brightest parts, but I would like the firey smoke to be nicely exposed) Since I wont have time to make adjustments, I need to get it right the first time.
Anyone done this kind of shot before?
Here are the specifics as far as I know them: the launch is in the afternoon around 1-2pm, and theoretically it should be pretty sunny.
I will be shooting with the Canon 100-400L with the Kenko 1.4x Tcon. I wish I knew how big the rocket would be in the frame but I am not sure since I dont know exactly how far away I'll be...
Anyway, any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!

I'd think you'll be shooting near the top end. The launch pad would be at least a couple of miles away?

So maybe on 400-560mm range.

Shoot RAW, use some filters, maybe a UV, being early afternoon, the heat can ruin these shots, at long focal lengths through the heatwaves.

As for exposure.. If you let go of the shutter button for a sec, and rehit it, shouldn't it be exposing for the flames anyway? I'd probably shoot -1/3 or -2/3
And bring the details back in RawShooter Essentials

K thanks for the pointers. I actually don't own a 77mm UV filter (I know, I know, I should have one...) wouldnt a polarizer help, or should I go get a UV?

I'd shoot RAW on M at a normal exposure for the scene. If you can do it quickly, I'd cover myself with a few at 1& 2 stops under as it's hard to say how much the light from the engines will light up the surroundings. From what I've seen in pictures, after about a second, everything will be covered in steam 'till the rockes gets up a bit. Have fun!

I found this on a website:
"First, load your camera with a good film. ASA 100 is fine. If you are going to shoot a sequence of photos showing the shuttle as it clears the launch pad, set your camera shutter speed to 1/500 of a second, and set your arpature to f/8."

Now it doesnt say, but I think they are talking about shooting with a 'normal' lens. Also this is for a shuttle launch, not the much faster Atlas. Therefore, since I am shooting with a much longer lens (the rocket will fill alot more of the frame,) and the rocket is much faster, I assume I will have to use a faster shutter speed than 1/500.
I wonder if 1/1000 would be enough, or if I should try for 1/2000 to be safe. (even if that means shooting at a higher ISO.)
What do you guys think?

supraintendent wrote:
I found this on a website:
"First, load your camera with a good film. ASA 100 is fine. If you are going to shoot a sequence of photos showing the shuttle as it clears the launch pad, set your camera shutter speed to 1/500 of a second, and set your arpature to f/8."

Now it doesnt say, but I think they are talking about shooting with a 'normal' lens. Also this is for a shuttle launch, not the much faster Atlas. Therefore, since I am shooting with a much longer lens (the rocket will fill alot more of the frame,) and the rocket is much faster, I assume I will have to use a faster shutter speed than 1/500.
I wonder if 1/1000 would be enough, or if I should try for 1/2000 to be safe. (even if that means shooting at a higher ISO.)
What do you guys think?

How long lens will You be using?

EDIT: Just shaw You mentioned You will be using 100-400 + 1,4 extender.

Back in 1998 I had the oportunity to see a shuttle launch. The photos are not great, they where shot all on auto and it was a night launch. I think the following shot was shot on 300 mm, look how small the shuttle is. This was shot within Kennedy Space center from the closest position public are allowed (7 miles from the launch pad). I assume that with rocket launches You don't get to go closer unless You have a press pass or something like that.

http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/ee/photo.php​?photo=774

"Safety first" works for me! If the sun is out you should be able to get 1/1600 @ f/5.6 ISO 200. Adjust from there.

Well I'll be in the VIP viewing area which is not as close as the press, but is closer thank the KSC viewing area. I'll have to find out exactly how far that is, but I am guessing about 6 miles....

The site You referenced says the VIP area is 3 miles from the pad.

You're right, but I am not sure if they launch the Atlas from the same place as the shuttle. But I'll keep my fingers crossed, that would be flippin' sweet if I was only 3 miles away!

As far as filters what does everyone think? Use a polarizer (it's not a great quality one--a pro1), go buy a UV, or try it without anything but the hood?

... I can't find any room (sorry for being completely unproductive!)
make sure you post some shots!

Definitely keep the hood on, even if you use a filter. If you have a day - and a viewing direction - that lets you darken the blue sky with a polarizing filter, that might make the photo look a little better. Forget the UV filter - it won't do anything for you and could detract from the quality of the photo, particularly if there are any bright things in or around the subject (such as the rocket engines blazing ).

Yeah if the conditions are right I'll use a polarizer. The hood goes without saying...
Still a bit concerned about proper exposure though. I wonder if I should set it on manual or Tv mode and let the meter figure it out.

No. It will expose for the flame & underexpose everything else.

I have nothing to say about the shot but I cant wait to see the outcome.