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Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane (foreground) raises the first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket off its transporter to a vertical position. The rocket ... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is lifted up into the mobile service tower. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS spacecra... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

The first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket moves into place in front of at the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rocket will be raised ... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is raised off its transporter to a vertical position. The rocket will then be lifte... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

The first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket leaves for Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS spacecraft, consisting of f... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

The first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is on its way to Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS spacecraft, consistin... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

The first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket arrives at the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is raised off its transporter to a vertical position. The rocket will then be lifte... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is moved inside the mobile service tower where nine solid rocket boosters will be attached in sets o... More

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

Delta II First stage lift for THEMIS payload at complex 17B

On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers check the lines attached to the lower end of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket before it is lifted into the mobile service tow... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II second stage is being lowered toward the Delta II first stage, already in place inside the mobile service tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS spacecraft. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0131

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II second stage is being lowered toward the Delta II first stage, already in place inside the mobile service tower. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, United Launch Alliance workers help guide the Delta II first stage onto its transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future launch of a Global Positioning Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1233

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, United Launch Alliance workers help guide the Delta II first stage onto its transporter. The Delta will be moved to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Larry Penepent, manager of Launch Operations Engineering with United Launch Alliance, oversees the transfer of the Delta II first stage onto a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn is scheduled to launch June 30 from Launch Complex 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1218

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Larry Penepent, manager of Launch Operations Engineering with United Launch Alliance, oversees the transfer of the Delta II fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the transporter in place inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the suspended Delta II first stage can be placed on it. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn is scheduled to launch June 30 from Launch Complex 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1217

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the transporter in place inside Ha...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the transporter in place inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the suspended Delta II first stage can be placed on it. The Delta will be moved to the launch pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an overhead crane lifts the Delta II first stage off its stand. It will be placed onto a transporter for its move to the launch pad. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn is scheduled to launch June 30 from Launch Complex 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an overhead crane lifts the Delta II first stage off its stand. It will be placed onto a transporter for its move to the launch p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Larry Penepent, manager of Launch Operations Engineering with United Launch Alliance, oversees the transfer of the Delta II first stage onto a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn is scheduled to launch June 30 from Launch Complex 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1219

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Larry Penepent, manager of Launch Operations Engineering with United Launch Alliance, oversees the transfer of the Delta II f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is lifted from its stand to be placed on a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future launch of a Global Positioning Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1229

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is lifted from its stand to be placed on a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is ready to be placed on a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future launch of a Global Positioning Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1228

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is ready to be placed on a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is suspended from an overhead crane to be placed on a transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future launch of a Global Positioning Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1230

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is suspended from an overhead crane to be placed on a transporter. The Delta will be moved t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker guides a transporter into place to receive the Delta II first stage. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn is scheduled to launch June 30 from Launch Complex 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1216

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker guides a transporter into place to receive the Delta II first stage. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad. Dawn's... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After its successful transfer to a transporter, the Delta II first stage is ready to move out of Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn is scheduled to launch June 30 from Launch Complex 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1220

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After its successful transfer to a tran...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After its successful transfer to a transporter, the Delta II first stage is ready to move out of Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Dawn's mission is to explore two of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is lowered onto its transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future launch of a Global Positioning Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1232

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is lowered onto its transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is lowered toward its transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future launch of a Global Positioning Satellite. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1231

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Hangar M on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, another Delta II first stage is lowered toward its transporter. The Delta will be moved to the launch pad for the future... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage is ready to receive the upper stages and solid rocket boosters for launch. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Dawn spacecraft, targeted for liftoff on June 30. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd1315

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the mobile service tower on Launch P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage is ready to receive the upper stages and solid rocket boosters for lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one of nine solid rocket boosters is lifted into the mobile service tower. It will be attached to the Delta II first stage for the launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1327

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one of nine solid rocket boosters is lifted into the mobile service tower. It will be attached to the Delta II first sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower. It will be attached to the Delta II first stage for the launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1329

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower. It will be attached to the Delta II fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one of nine solid rocket boosters is raised off the transporter. It will be lifted into the mobile service tower for attachment around the Delta II first stage. The SRB is one of nine to be attached for the launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1324

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one of nine solid rocket boosters is raised off the transporter. It will be lifted into the mobile service tower for atta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster arrives under the mobile service tower. It will join the first, seen above, and be attached to the Delta II first stage for the launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1328

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster arrives under the mobile service tower. It will join the first, seen above, and be attached... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a third solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted into the mobile service tower for attachment around the Delta II first stage. The SRB is one of nine to be attached for the launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's mission is to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1332

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a third solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted into the mobile service tower for attachm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter before being lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will join the other suspended in the tower to be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1484

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another solid rocket booster is raised o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter before being lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, buildup of the Delta II first stage and solid rocket boosters for the Dawn spacecraft is seen. Below the rocket is the flame trench, and in the foreground is the overflow pool. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1490

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, buildup of the Delta II first stage and solid rocket boosters for the Dawn spacecraft is seen. Below the rocket is the fla... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Three solid rocket boosters are suspended in the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1487

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Three solid rocket boosters are suspende...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Three solid rocket boosters are suspended in the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating to the Delta II first stage for launch of th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is ready for lifting into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1482

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is ready for lift...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is ready for lifting into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower with solid rocket boosters inside nears the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1489

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower with solid rocket boosters inside nears the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage waits for the mating of additional solid rocket boosters for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1478

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage waits for the mating of additional solid rocket boosters for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1483

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is lifted into th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first stage for la... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another solid rocket booster arrives on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to be mated to the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1479

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another solid rocket booster arrives on ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another solid rocket booster arrives on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to be mated to the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Dawn s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Next to the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage is being mated to the solid rocket boosters for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1476

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Next to the mobile service tower on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Next to the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage is being mated to the solid rocket boosters for launch of the Dawn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two solid rocket boosters in the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station wait for a third, below. They will all be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1485

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two solid rocket boosters in the mobile ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two solid rocket boosters in the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station wait for a third, below. They will all be mated to the Delta II first ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is ready for lifting into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1481

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is ready for lift...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is ready for lifting into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter before being lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1480

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is raised off its...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter before being lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will be ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A third solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter before being lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster will join the others suspended in the tower to be mated to the Delta II first stage for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1486

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A third solid rocket booster is raised o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A third solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter before being lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage at left waits for additional solid rocket boosters in the mobile service tower to be mated with those already attached. The Delta is the launch vehicle of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1488

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage at left waits for additional solid rocket boosters in the mobile service tower to be mated with th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows four of the nine solid rocket boosters being mated to the Delta II first stage on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for launch of the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Launch is targeted for July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1477

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows four of the nine soli...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows four of the nine solid rocket boosters being mated to the Delta II first stage on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for launch of the Dawn spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter. The SRB will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1559

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter. The SRB will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter. The SRB will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1560

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air For...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised off its transporter. The SRB will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower while another, below, is raised from its transporter. The SRBs will be mated with the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1561

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower while another, below, is raised from its transporter. The SRBs ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first of nine solid rocket boosters arrives at the mobile service tower. The SRB will be lifted into the tower for mating with the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1558

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first of nine solid rocket boosters arrives at the mobile service tower. The SRB will be lifted into the tower for mating wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage is rolling back to the mobile service tower for mating with the solid rocket boosters waiting there. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1564

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage is rolling back to the mobile service tower for mating with the solid rocket boosters waiting there. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters and the Delta II first stage are ready for mating inside the mobile service tower. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1566

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters and the Delta II first stage are ready for mating inside the mobile service tower. The Delta is the l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a third solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter to be lifted into the mobile service tower, where two others wait. The SRBs will be mated with the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1563

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a third solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter to be lifted into the mobile service tower, where two others wait. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters wait for the Delta II first stage to arrive at the mobile service tower. The SRBs will be mated with the Delta, which is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1565

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters wait for the Delta II first stage to arrive at the mobile service tower. The SRBs will be mated with ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower while another, below, is raised from its transporter. The SRBs will be mated with the Delta II first stage. The Delta is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1562

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower while another, below, is raised from its transporter. The SRBs w... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In pre-dawn hours at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the mobile service tower/umbilical tower and launcher on Space Launch Complex 2 are being prepared for the arrival of the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1313

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In pre-dawn hours at Vandenberg...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In pre-dawn hours at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the mobile service tower/umbilical tower and launcher on Space Launch Complex 2 are being prepared for the ar... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1323

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. The Delta II is the lau... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft is moved into place above the launcher in the umbilical tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1326

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft is moved into place above the launcher in the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare the equipment on Space Launch Complex 2 to raise the Delta II first stage of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. Once it is vertical, the first stage will be transferred into the mobile service tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1318

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare the equipment on Space Launch Complex 2 to raise the Delta II first stage of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. Once ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers attach the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft to the launcher in the umbilical tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1328

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers attach the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft to the launcher in the umbilica... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In pre-dawn hours at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparing for the arrival of the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft, the mobile service tower (left) on Space Launch Complex 2 has been moved away from the umbilical tower and launcher (right). The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1314

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In pre-dawn hours at Vandenberg ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In pre-dawn hours at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparing for the arrival of the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft, the mobile service towe... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage has been raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. Next, the first stage will be transferred into the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1321

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage has been raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft arrives on Space Launch Complex 2. The first stage will be raised to vertical and lifted into the mobile service tower (behind it, at left). The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1315

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft arrives on Space Launch Complex 2. The first stage will be raised to v... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is being raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. Once it is vertical, the first stage will be transferred into the tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1320

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is being raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is being raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. Once it is vertical, the first stage will be transferred into the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1319

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is being raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers center the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft above the launcher in the umbilical tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1327

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers center the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft above the launcher in the umbil... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to move the transporter from beneath the Delta II first stage, suspended above, on Space Launch Complex 2. The first stage will be lifted into the mobile service tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1322

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to move the transporter from beneath the Delta II first stage, suspended above, on Space Launch Complex 2. The ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, protective panels on the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 are moved to cover the Delta II first stage, which is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The Delta II is being moved to the umbilical tower/launcher at right. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1324

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, protective panels on the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 are moved to cover the Delta II first stage, which is th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers on Space Launch Complex 2 prepare to raise the Delta II first stage of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. Once it is vertical, the first stage will be transferred into the mobile service tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1317

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers on Space Launch Complex 2 prepare to raise the Delta II first stage of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. Once it is vertical... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft arrives at the base of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. The first stage will be raised to vertical and lifted into the tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1316

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft arrives at the base of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor, or SRM, is raised from its transporter. The SRM will be lifted into the mobile service tower and attached to the Delta II first stage inside the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1332

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor, or SRM, is raised from its transporter. The SRM will be lifted into the mobile s... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first solid rocket motor arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be attached to the Delta II first stage inside the mobile service tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1329

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first solid rocket motor arri...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first solid rocket motor arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be attached to the Delta II first stage inside the mobile... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is moved into place alongside the Delta II first stage. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1340

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is moved into place alongside the Delta II first stage. The De... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first solid rocket motor, or SRM, to arrive on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is moved into place for lifting into the mobile service tower. The SRM will be attached to the Delta II first stage inside the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1330

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first solid rocket motor, or...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first solid rocket motor, or SRM, to arrive on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is moved into place for lifting into the mobile service... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is suspended in front of the mobile service tower. The SRM will be lifted into the tower and attached to the Delta II first stage inside. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1338

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Va...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is suspended in front of the mobile service tower. The SRM wi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers aid the movement of the solid rocket motor, or SRM, into the mobile service tower. The SRM will be attached to the Delta II first stage inside the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1339

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers aid the movement of the solid rocket motor, or SRM, into the mobile service tower. The SRM wi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A second solid rocket motor, or SRM, to arrive on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is moved into place for lifting into the mobile service tower. The SRM will be attached to the Delta II first stage inside the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1335

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A second solid rocket motor, or...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A second solid rocket motor, or SRM, to arrive on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is moved into place for lifting into the mobile service... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor, or SRM, is raised from its transporter. The SRM will be lifted into the mobile service tower and attached to the Delta II first stage inside the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1331

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor, or SRM, is raised from its transporter. The SRM will be lifted into the mobile s... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is being raised to a vertical position. Once vertical, the SRM will be lifted into the mobile service tower and attached to the Delta II first stage inside. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1337

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is being raised to a vertical position. Once vertical, the SRM... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is raised from its transporter. The SRM will be lifted into the mobile service tower and attached to the Delta II first stage inside the tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1336

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second solid rocket motor, or SRM, is raised from its transporter. The SRM will be lifted into the... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor, or SRM, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower. The SRM will be moved inside the tower and attached to the Delta II first stage, which is the launch vehicle for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti KSC-08pd1333

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor, or SRM, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower. The SRM will be moved insi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers connect the interstage adapter, or ISA, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the environmental enclosure, or clean room, near the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. The ISA is the interface between the Delta II first and second stages. The second stage engine fits within the ISA. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2325

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers connect the interstage ada...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers connect the interstage adapter, or ISA, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the environmental enclosure, or cle... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The interstage adapter, or ISA, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is connected to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and ready for delivery of the rocket's second stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. The ISA is the interface between the Delta II first and second stages. The second stage engine fits within the ISA. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2326

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The interstage adapter, or ISA, fo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The interstage adapter, or ISA, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is connected to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway to connect the Delta II first stage for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the interstage adapter, or ISA, newly delivered to the environmental enclosure, or clean room, near the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. The ISA is the interface between the Delta II first and second stages. The second stage engine fits within the ISA. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2324

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway to conne...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway to connect the Delta II first stage for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the interstage adapter, or ISA, newly delivered t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker attaches a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2139

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker attaches a solid rocket m...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker attaches a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space L... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker prepares to attach a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2138

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker prepares to attach a soli...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker prepares to attach a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, has been attached to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2142

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first solid rocket motor, or S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, has been attached to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is lifted into the mobile service tower next to the Delta II first stage at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2146

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second solid rocket motor, or ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is lifted into the mobile service tower next to the Delta II first stage at... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, as it moves into position beside the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to the rocket's first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2137

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the solid rocket m...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, as it moves into position beside the Delta II first stage in the m... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers complete the task of attaching a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2141

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers complete the task of attac...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers complete the task of attaching a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile ser... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, as it moves into position beside the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2150

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the third solid ro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, as it moves into position beside the Delta II first stage in... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach a third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage are nearing completion. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2151

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach a third solid rocke...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach a third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Spac... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach a third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage are nearing completion. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2152

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach a third solid rocke...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach a third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Spac... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Operations to attach three solid rocket motors, or SRMs, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California are complete. The SRMs used to give the first stage additional thrust are known as graphite epoxy motors. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2153

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Operations to attach three solid r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Operations to attach three solid rocket motors, or SRMs, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, as it is lifted into a vertical position beside the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2148

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the third solid ro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor the third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, as it is lifted into a vertical position beside the Delta II... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is lifted into place beside the Delta II first stage, with two SRMs already attached, in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2149

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The third solid rocket motor, or S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is lifted into place beside the Delta II first stage, with two SRMs already ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the mobile service tower rolls away from the launch stand supporting the Delta II first stage. Operations are underway to mate the rocket's first and second stages. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in July. The rocket's second stage will insert OCO-2 into a polar Earth orbit. OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2116

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Space Launch Complex 2 on Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the mobile service tower rolls away from the launch stand supporting the Delta II first stage. Operation... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diameter fairing for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is hoisted toward the environmental enclosure at the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, past the Delta II first stage. The fairing will protect the SMAP spacecraft from the heat and aerodynamic pressure generated during its ascent to orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data will also be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3464

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diam...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diameter fairing for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is hoisted toward the environmental enclosure at the top of the mobil... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diameter fairing for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is hoisted past the Delta II first stage on its way to the environmental enclosure at the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fairing will protect the SMAP spacecraft from the heat and aerodynamic pressure generated during its ascent to orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data will also be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3469

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diam...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diameter fairing for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is hoisted past the Delta II first stage on its way to the environmen... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diameter fairing for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is hoisted up the side of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, past the Delta II first stage. The fairing will protect the SMAP spacecraft from the heat and aerodynamic pressure generated during its ascent to orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data will also be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3463

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diam...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A half section of the 10-foot-diameter fairing for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is hoisted up the side of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Co... More