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EXPERIMENT - APOLLO 16 (UV), NASA Apollo program

EXPERIMENT - APOLLO 16 (UV), NASA Apollo program

S72-40820 (21 April 1972) --- A color enhancement of a photograph taken on ultra-violet light showing the spectrum of the upper atmosphere of Earth and geocorona. The bright horizontal line is far ultra-violet ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians from the Applied Physics Laboratory install another panel on the New Horizons spacecraft. A series of interconnecting panels will enclose the spacecraft beneath the antenna to maintain safe operating temperatures in space. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2314

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians from the Applied Physics Laboratory install another panel on the New Horizons spacecraft. A serie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians from the Applied Physics Laboratory work on a panel they are installing on the New Horizons spacecraft. A series of interconnecting panels will enclose the spacecraft beneath the antenna to maintain safe operating temperatures in space. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2311

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians from the Applied Physics Laboratory work on a panel they are installing on the New Horizons spacec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians work on a panel they are installing on the New Horizons spacecraft. A series of interconnecting panels will enclose the spacecraft beneath the antenna to maintain safe operating temperatures in space. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2313

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians work on a panel they are installing on the New Horizons spacecraft. A series of interconnecting p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a technician from the Applied Physics Laboratory works on the New Horizons spacecraft before installing one of the panels. A series of interconnecting panels will enclose the spacecraft beneath the antenna to maintain safe operating temperatures in space. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2312

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a technician from the Applied Physics Laboratory works on the New Horizons spacecraft before installing one of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians from the Applied Physics Laboratory install another panel on the New Horizons spacecraft. A series of interconnecting panels will enclose the spacecraft beneath the antenna to maintain safe operating temperatures in space. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2315

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians from the Applied Physics Laboratory install another panel on the New Horizons spacecraft. A serie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers oversee the lowering of the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage (above) toward the first stage. The two stages will be mated. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the New Horizons spacecraft. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2323

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers oversee the lowering of the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage (above... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers wait for the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage (above) to be lowered to the first stage for installation. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the New Horizons spacecraft. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2322

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers wait for the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage (above) to be lowered... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage leaves the Astrotech Space Operations Center in Titusville, Fla., for the short journey to Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Centaur is the second stage of the launch vehicle for the New Horizons spacecraft. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2316

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur sta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage leaves the Astrotech Space Operations Center in Titusville, Fla., for the short journey to Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage arrives at the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Centaur is the second stage of the launch vehicle for the New Horizons spacecraft. Seen in the tower is the first stage. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2317

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur sta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage arrives at the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Centaur is the second stage... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In front of the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers complete the raising of the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage to a vertical position. The second stage of the launch vehicle for the New Horizons spacecraft, the Centaur will be mated with the waiting first stage, seen behind it at left. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2319

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In front of the mobile service tower on ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In front of the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers complete the raising of the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In front of the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage is raised off the transporter. Once vertical, the Centaur, the second stage of the launch vehicle for the New Horizons spacecraft, will be lifted up the tower and mated with the waiting first stage, seen at left. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2318

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In front of the mobile service tower on...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In front of the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage is raised off the transporter. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage is moved into place over the waiting first stage below it. The launch vehicle for the New Horizon spacecraft, the Atlas V first and second stages will be mated. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2321

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage is moved into place over the waiting ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage is lifted up the mobile service tower where it will be mated with the waiting first stage, seen behind it at left. New Horizons will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2320

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lockheed Martin Atlas V Centaur stage is lifted up the mobile service tower where it will be mated with the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket for mating of the solid rocket boosters. In the foreground is the trailer used to transport the boosters to the pad. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2393

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket for mating of the solid rocket boosters. In the foreground is the trail... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The container holding the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is moved inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2422

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The container holding the radioisotope t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The container holding the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is moved inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dave Nobles oversees the operation as the container is lifted away from the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2425

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dave Nobles oversees the operation as the container is lifted away from the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jamie Gurney reads a personal dosimeter that will be used by officials handling the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) before its move to the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2418

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jamie Gurney reads a personal dosimeter t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jamie Gurney reads a personal dosimeter that will be used by officials handling the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) before its move to the RTG facility at Kennedy Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Tessmer, Dave Nobles and Dan Brunson check the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) container after its move inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2423

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Tessmer, Dave Nobles and Dan Brunson...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Tessmer, Dave Nobles and Dan Brunson check the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) container after its move inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Tessmer and Dave Nobles lift the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) container after its move inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2424

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Tessmer and Dave Nobles lift the radi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Tessmer and Dave Nobles lift the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) container after its move inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center, Tim Frazier, Mervin Smith and Tim Hoye inspect the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) after its arrival. Frazier is with the Department of Energy, which has provided the radioisotope, and Hoye is with Lockheed Martin. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2427

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center, Tim Frazier, Mervin Smith and Tim Hoye inspect the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) after its arrival. Frazier is with t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The container holding the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is moved toward the door of the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2421

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The container holding the radioisotope th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The container holding the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is moved toward the door of the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center, Amy Powell, Ennis Shelton and Ed Provost check the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) after removal of the outside container. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2426

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center, Amy Powell, Ennis Shelton and Ed Provost check the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) after removal of the outside containe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jamie Gurney makes a zero adjustment of a personal dosimeter for officials handling the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) before its move to the RTG facility at Kennedy Space Center. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2417

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jamie Gurney makes a zero adjustment of a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jamie Gurney makes a zero adjustment of a personal dosimeter for officials handling the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) before its move to the RTG facility at Kennedy S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Kennedy Space Center, the container holding the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is removed from a truck. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2420

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Kennedy Space Center, the container h...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Kennedy Space Center, the container holding the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is removed from a truck. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Hor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Tim Hoyle and Mervin Smith check the cable on the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2433

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Tim Hoyle and Mervin Smith check the cable on the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is the baseline power supply for... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Mervin Smith watches as technicians install a flight adapter on the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2434

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Mervin Smith watches as technicians install a flight adapter on the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is the baseline... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dan Brunson places a lift attachment onto the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) so it can be lifted off the stand. Watching at right is Amy Powell. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2429

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dan Brunson places a lift attachment onto the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) so it can be lifted off the stand. Watching a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Steve Killian, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson tilt the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) to a horizontal position. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2431

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Steve Killian, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson tilt the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) to a horizontal position. The RTG... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dan Brunson and Jim Wojciechowski carefully lower the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) into a t-cart. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2435

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dan Brunson and Jim Wojciechowski carefully lower the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) into a t-cart. The RTG is the baselin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Rhett Rovig, Mervin Smith, Amy Powell and June Wojciechowski inspect a clamping ring that will be installed on the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2428

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cen...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Rhett Rovig, Mervin Smith, Amy Powell and June Wojciechowski inspect a clamping ring that will be installed on the radioisotope thermoe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson lower a metal canister over the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The canister will protect the RTG when it is moved. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2440

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cente...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson lower a metal canister over the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The canister will protect... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) rests in a horizontal position. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2432

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) rests in a horizontal position. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson install a clamping ring onto the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Watching at right is Steve Killian. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2438

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson install a clamping ring onto the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Watching at right is St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - n the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson move a metal canister toward the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The canister will protect the RTG when it is moved. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2439

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - n the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cente...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - n the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski and Dan Brunson move a metal canister toward the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The canister will protec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski (left) and Rhett Rovig lift the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) from its stand to place it on a cart. It will then be maneuvered to a horizontal position. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2430

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Jim Wojciechowski (left) and Rhett Rovig lift the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) from its stand to place it on a cart. It ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, officials check the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) after being lowered onto a transporter. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2437

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, officials check the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) after being lowered onto a transporter. The RTG is the baseline power su... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dan Brunson and Jim Wojciechowski lower the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) onto a transporter. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2436

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RTG Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Dan Brunson and Jim Wojciechowski lower the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) onto a transporter. The RTG is the baseline powe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supported by a crane in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is lowered onto a transporter. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facility. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2472

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supported by a crane in the Payload Haza...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supported by a crane in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is lowered onto a transporter. The RTG is being returned to the RT... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, engineers lower a metal canister toward the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) below it. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facility after completing a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, engineers lower a metal canister toward the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) below it. The RTG is being returned to the RTG ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, engineers move the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) away from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facility after completing a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2469

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, engineers move the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) away from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft. The RTG is being returned to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a metal canister is lowered over the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The canister will protect the RTG while it is being moved to the RTG facility. The RTG underwent a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2474

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a metal canister is lowered over the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The canister will protect the RTG while it is being ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, engineers move the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) away from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facility after completing a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2470

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, engineers move the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) away from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft. The RTG is being returned to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supported by a crane in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is rotated to vertical. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facility after completing a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2471

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supported by a crane in the Payload Hazar...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Supported by a crane in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is rotated to vertical. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Outside of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the enclosed radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is moved into a waiting truck. The RTG is being returned to the RTG facility after completing a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2475

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Outside of the Payload Hazardous Servicin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Outside of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the enclosed radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is moved into a waiting truck. The RTG is being returned to the RTG fa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), enclosed in a metal canister, is moved into the RTG Facility. The RTG is being returned from the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it underwent a fit check with the spacecraft. The RTG is the baseline power supply for the New Horizons, scheduled to launch in January 2006 on a journey to Pluto and its moon, Charon. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon's surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It is expected to reach Pluto in July 2015. KSC-05pd2477

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The radioisotope thermoelectric generato...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), enclosed in a metal canister, is moved into the RTG Facility. The RTG is being returned from the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vertical Integration Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers maneuver the fifth and final solid rocket booster into place for mating to the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket. Two of the other four rockets are seen at left. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2528

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vertical Integration Facility on...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vertical Integration Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers maneuver the fifth and final solid rocket booster into place for ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from high in the Vertical Integration Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is ready to be raised to vertical and lifted into the facility. It will be added to the other four already mated to the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket in the facility. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2523

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from high in the Vertical Integr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from high in the Vertical Integration Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is ready to be ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility and added to the other four already mated to the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket there. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2525

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted into the Vertica... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the five solid rocket boosters are now mated with the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2529

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the five solid rocket boosters are now mated with the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket in the Vertical Integrati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The fifth and final solid rocket booster arrives at the Vertical Integration Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It will be added to the other four already mated to the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket, seen in the background. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2522

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The fifth and final solid rocket booster...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The fifth and final solid rocket booster arrives at the Vertical Integration Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It will be added to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is being raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted and added to the other four already mated to the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2524

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is being raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted and added ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is being lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility. It will be added to the other four already mated to the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket there. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2526

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster is being lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility. It will be a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster nears the top of the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility. It will be added to the other four already mated to the rocket. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for the Pluto-bound New Horizons spacecraft that will make the first reconnaissance of Pluto and its moon, Charon - a "double planet" and the last planet in our solar system to be visited by spacecraft. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft will look for ultraviolet emission from Pluto's atmosphere and make the best global maps of Pluto and Charon in green, blue, red and a special wavelength that is sensitive to methane frost on the surface. It will also take spectral maps in the near infrared, telling the science team about Pluto's and Charon’s surface compositions and locations and temperatures of these materials. When the spacecraft is closest to Pluto or its moon, it will take close-up pictures in both visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The mission will then visit one or more objects in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune. New Horizons is scheduled to launch in January 2006, swing past Jupiter for a gravity boost and scientific studies in February or March 2007, and reach Pluto and Charon in July 2015. KSC-05pd2527

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the fifth and final solid rocket booster nears the top of the Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket in the Vertical I... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2829

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2825

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2831

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2837

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2833

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2830

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2836

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2828

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2840

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2835

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2843

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2832

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2834

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2841

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2839

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2824

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2842

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on its transporter to the runway at Vandenberg. There, the rocket and spacecraft were mated with the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2838

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus XL rocket with the attached Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS solar observatory rolled out of the hangar on i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2826

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2013-2827

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Technicians and engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California mate the Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26 aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region in to the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun’s visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun’s ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth’s climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2886

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26 aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region in to the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun’s visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun’s ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth’s climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2888

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26 aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region in to the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun’s visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun’s ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth’s climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2887

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26 aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region in to the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun’s visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun’s ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth’s climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2885

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, mission managers participate in a pre-launch dress rehearsal in the Launch Vehicle Data Center for NASA’s Interface Region Imaging... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA hosted a prelaunch news conference on the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory scheduled to launch on a Pegasus XL rocket. Participating in the news conference are George Diller, NASA Public Affairs, Geoffrey Yoder, deputy associate administrator for the Programs, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Tim Dunn, NASA launch director/NASA Launch Manager at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bryan Baldwin, Pegasus launch vehicle program director for Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., Gary Kushner, IRIS project manager for Lockheed Martin's Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory in Palo Alto, Calif., and First Lt. Jennifer Kelley, launch weather officer for the U.S. Air Force 30th Operations Support Squadron at Vandenberg. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2909

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA hosted a prelaunch news conference on the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory scheduled to laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final checkouts are being completed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California as preparations continue for the launch from the L-1011 carrier aircraft of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2912

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final checkouts are being complete...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final checkouts are being completed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California as preparations continue for the launch from the L-1011 carrier aircraft of the Orbital Science... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final checkouts are being completed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California as preparations continue for the launch from the L-1011 carrier aircraft of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Pegasus XL rocket with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2911

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final checkouts are being complete...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final checkouts are being completed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California as preparations continue for the launch from the L-1011 carrier aircraft of the Orbital Science... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA hosted a prelaunch mission briefing on the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory scheduled to launch on a Pegasus XL rocket. Participating in the news conference are George Diller, NASA Public Affairs, Dr. S. Pete Worden, director of NASA's Ames Research Center in Calif., Jeffrey Newmark, IRIS Program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and Alan Title, IRIS principal investigator with Lockheed Martin. Scheduled for launch from Vandenberg on June 26, 2013, IRIS will open a new window of discovery by tracing the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona using spectrometry and imaging. The IRIS mission will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. The interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and upper atmosphere, is where most of the sun's ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2910

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA hosted a prelaunch mission briefing on the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory scheduled to lau... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the aircraft is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2945

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraf...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket ca... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Videographer Lori Losey, back seat, and pilot Jim Less board an F-18 aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The F-18 will be the "chase plane" for the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft transporting the Pegasus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to orbit. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the L-1011 is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2942

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Videographer Lori Losey, back seat...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Videographer Lori Losey, back seat, and pilot Jim Less board an F-18 aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The F-18 will be the "chase plane" for the Orbital S... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the aircraft is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2946

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraf...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket carr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the aircraft is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2939

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircra...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket c... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Videographer Lori Losey boards an F-18 aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The F-18 "chase plane" will accompany the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as it transports the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory over the Pacific Ocean. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the L-1011 is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2941

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Videographer Lori Losey boards an ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Videographer Lori Losey boards an F-18 aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The F-18 "chase plane" will accompany the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as it t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the aircraft is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2947

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraf...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 9:30 p.m. EDT, headed over the Pacific Ocean to release the Pegasus XL rocket carr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F-18 aircraft departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The plane will serve as the "chase plane" accompanying the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as it transports the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory over the Pacific Ocean. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the L-1011 is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2943

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F-18 aircraft departs from Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F-18 aircraft departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The plane will serve as the "chase plane" accompanying the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as it trans... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F-18 aircraft flies by a launch pad as it departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The plane will serve as the "chase plane" accompanying the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as it transports the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory over the Pacific Ocean. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the L-1011 is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2944

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F-18 aircraft flies by a launch...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An F-18 aircraft flies by a launch pad as it departs from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The plane will serve as the "chase plane" accompanying the Orbital Sciences... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final preparations are underway at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the departure of the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket will carry NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, solar observatory to orbit. Release of the rocket from under the wing of the aircraft is scheduled for 10:27 p.m. EDT. IRIS will open a new window of discovery using spectrometry and imaging to trace the flow of energy and plasma through the chromospheres and transition region into the sun’s corona. The spacecraft will observe how solar material moves, gathers energy and heats up as it travels through a largely unexplored region of the solar atmosphere. This interface region, located between the sun's visible surface and its upper atmosphere, is where most of its ultraviolet emission is generated. These emissions impact the near-Earth space environment and Earth's climate. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is managing the countdown and launch. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iris. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-2940

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final preparations are underway at...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final preparations are underway at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the departure of the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket will ca... More

Emission from Ionized Magnesium in Mars Atmosphere After Comet Flyby

Emission from Ionized Magnesium in Mars Atmosphere After Comet Flyby

This graphic depicts what Mars atmosphere would have looked like to a viewer with ultraviolet-seeing eyes after a meteor shower on Oct. 19, 2014. NASA/Univ. of Colorado

A factory with smoke pouring out of it's stacks. Pollution smoke environment, work.

A factory with smoke pouring out of it's stacks. Pollution smoke envir...

A smokestack is blowing out of a factory / A smokestack of a power plant with smoke coming out of it public domain stock photo. A smokestack is blowing out of a factory / A smokestack of a power plant with smo... More