reconnection

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The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s.  Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the development and testing of the Saturn rockets.  Affectionately nicknamed “The Arm Farm”, the Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator was one of those unique facilities. This facility was developed to test the swing arm mechanisms that were used to hold the rocket in position until liftoff. The Arm Farm provided the capability of testing the detachment and reconnection of various arms under brutally realistic conditions.  The 18-acre facility consisted of more than a half dozen arm test positions and one position for testing access arms used by the Apollo astronauts. Each test position had two elements: a vehicle simulator for duplicating motions during countdown and launch; and a section duplicating the launch tower. The vehicle simulator duplicated the portion of the vehicle skin that contained the umbilical connections and personnel access hatches. Driven by a hydraulic servo system, the vehicle simulator produced relative motion between the vehicle and tower. On the Arm Farm, extreme environmental conditions (such as a launch scrub during an approaching Florida thunderstorm) could be simulated. The dramatic scenes that the Marshall engineers and technicians created at the Arm Farm permitted the gathering of crucial technical and engineering data to ensure a successful real time launch from the Kennedy Space Center. This photo depicts a close up of the S-IV-B aft swing arm cam lever stop strain guage. n/a

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the d...

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, arrive in the Building 1 airlock at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4352

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, arrive in the Building 1 airlock at the Astrotech payload process... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, glides toward a payload dolly during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4345

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, glides toward a payload dolly during uncrating operations in the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane is lowered toward the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4344

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane is lowered toward the lower stack, mini...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane is lowered toward the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, during uncrating operations in the Build... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers surround two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, on their trip from the Building 2 south encapsulation bay to the Building 1 high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4350

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers surround two of the observatories, the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers surround two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, on their trip from the Building 2 south encapsul... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, arrive at Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4335

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, arrive at Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective shipping container is lifted from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4342

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective shipping container is lifted fro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective shipping container is lifted from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in the Building 2... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory are suspended over a payload dolly during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4346

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory are suspended over a payload dolly during uncrating operations in the Buil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, roll into the Building 1 airlock at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4351

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, roll into the Building 1 airlock at the Astrotech payload process... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, begin the trip from the Building 2 south encapsulation bay to the Building 1 high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4349

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetosphe...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, begin the trip from the Building 2 south encapsulation bay to the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to remove the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, from their protective shipping container in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4340

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to remove the lower s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to remove the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, from their protective shipping... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to tow two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, from the Building 2 south encapsulation bay to the Building 1 high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4348

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to tow two of the obs...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to tow two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, from the Building 2 south encaps... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers prepare a payload dolly for the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4343

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers prepare a payload dolly for the lower s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers prepare a payload dolly for the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, during uncrating operations in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The airlock door opens at Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center, for ingress of the protective shipping container enclosing the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft.    MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4336

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The airlock door opens at Building 2 of the Ast...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The airlock door opens at Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center, for ingress of the protective shipping container enclo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to move the protective shipping container enclosing the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft into the airlock of Building 2 at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to move the protective ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to move the protective shipping container enclosing the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft into the airlock of Building 2 at the Astrotech payload processing fac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers position two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1 for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, onto a payload dolly in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4347

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers position two of the observatories, the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers position two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1 for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, onto a payload dolly in the Building 2 south enca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, are delivered by truck to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4334

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, are delivered by truck to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers attach a crane to the protective shipping container to prepare to uncover the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS. They were delivered to the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4341

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers attach a crane to the protective shippi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers attach a crane to the protective shipping container to prepare to uncover the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Obser... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician prepares to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician prepares to remove the protective ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician prepares to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Bu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians begin to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4357

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians begin to remove the protective cove...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians begin to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Buildi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician carefully removes the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician carefully removes the protective c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician carefully removes the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Bui... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4355

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to remove the protective co...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Buil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4353

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to remove the protect...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D hi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4360

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D hi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D hi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians have removed most of the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4362

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians have removed most of the protective...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians have removed most of the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in B... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Most of the protective covering has been removed from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, inside Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4363

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Most of the protective covering has been remove...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Most of the protective covering has been removed from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, inside Build... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Most of the protective covering has been removed from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, inside Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4364

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Most of the protective covering has been remove...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Most of the protective covering has been removed from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, inside Build... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians begin to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Building 1 D high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks.  MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2014-4356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians begin to remove the protective cove...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians begin to remove the protective covering from the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, in Buildi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, are delivered by truck to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.     The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. These two spacecraft comprise the mission's upper stack. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4474

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, are delivered by truck to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to remove two of the the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft from their protective shipping container in the airlock of Building 2 at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. These two spacecraft comprise the mission's upper stack. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4477

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to remove two of the th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to remove two of the the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft from their protective shipping container in the airlock of Building 2 at the Astrotech payload proces... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The airlock door opens at Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center, for ingress of the protective shipping container enclosing the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft.    The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. These two spacecraft comprise the mission's upper stack. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4475

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The airlock door opens at Building 2 of the Ast...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The airlock door opens at Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center, for ingress of the protective shipping container enclo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, are positioned into the airlock of Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center.    The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. These two spacecraft comprise the mission's upper stack. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4476

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, enclosed in a protective shipping container, are positioned into the airlock of Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusv... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are towed between Buildings 1 and 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4483

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are towed between Buildings 1 and 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Flor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack arrive in the Building 1 airlock of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack, in the high bay uat right, arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4485

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack arrive in the Building 1 airlock of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale , or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are lowered onto a payload dolly in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4481

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale , or MMS, spacecr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale , or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are lowered onto a payload dolly in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are towed from Building 2 to the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4482

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are towed from Building 2 to the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft, comprising the mission's upper stack, come into view as the shipping container is removed in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4478

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft, comprising the mission's upper stack, come into view as the shipping container is removed in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload process... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are lifted from the transporter in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4480

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are lifted from the transporter in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusv... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are transported to the airlock of Building 1 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4484

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack are transported to the airlock of Building 1 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusvi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – All four of the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft have arrived in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4488

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – All four of the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or M...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – All four of the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft have arrived in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack, at left, arrive in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack, at right, arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4486

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack, at left, arrive in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusvil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective shipping container is removed from around the upper stack of the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4479

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective shipping container is removed fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective shipping container is removed from around the upper stack of the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft in Building 2 of the Astrotech payload processing facility in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective covering is removed from the two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived at Astrotech on Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4487

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective covering is removed from the two...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The protective covering is removed from the two Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft comprising the mission’s upper stack in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload proc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft will undergo final processing for launch now that all four are in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two MMS spacecraft comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4489

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, spacecraft will undergo final processing for launch now that all four are in the Building 1 high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4490

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4491

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4492

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatory dedicates the mission to Dr. John William Klein, now deceased, who served the MMS team as the standing review board chairman. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4494

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatory dedicates the mission to Dr. John William Klein, now deceased, who served the MMS team as the standing rev... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4499

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4500

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4498

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories are uncovered for an inspection in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4493

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multisca...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories are uncovered for an inspection in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titus... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The two MMS spacecraft comprising the upper deck arrived Nov. 12; the two comprising the lower stack arrived Oct. 29. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4497

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magneto...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers inspect the solar arrays on the Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatories in the Building 1 D high bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatory dedicates the mission to Richard “Richy” D’Antonio, now deceased, in grateful appreciation for his dedicated service to NASA’s MMS mission. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4496

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatory dedicates the mission to Richard “Richy” D’Antonio, now deceased, in grateful appreciation for his dedicat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatory dedicates the mission to George S. Moore, now deceased, an engineer who was a beloved colleague and friend to the MMS team. MMS, led by a team from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission consisting of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://mms.gsfc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4495

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A plaque affixed to the side of a Magnetospheric Multiscale, or MMS, observatory dedicates the mission to George S. Moore, now deceased, an engineer who was a beloved colleague and friend... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A solar array illumination test is performed on the upper stack of the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, or MMS, in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. Illumination testing of the lower instrumentation payload stack was completed in December.    MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1071

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A solar array illumination test is performed on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A solar array illumination test is performed on the upper stack of the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, or MMS, in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A solar array illumination test is performed on the upper stack of the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, or MMS, in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. Illumination testing of the lower instrumentation payload stack was completed in December.    MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence.  Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1069

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A solar array illumination test is performed on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A solar array illumination test is performed on the upper stack of the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, or MMS, in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers supervise the lift of the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1292

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers supervise the lift of the first stage o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers supervise the lift of the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, into the mobile service tower at Space Lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1293

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts the first stage of the United Lau...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is in position on the launch platform in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1295

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is in position on the launch platform in the mobile service tower at Spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to lift the newly delivered first stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket into the mobile service tower. The rocket will launch NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1288

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway at Space Launch Complex...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to lift the newly delivered first stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket into t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is positioned on the launch platform in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1294

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is positioned on the launch platform in the mobile service tower at Spac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1287

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, begins the short journey from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center, or ASOC, on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to Space Launch Complex 41. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1285

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, begins the short journey from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center, o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1290

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1291

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for the arrival of the first stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center, or ASOC. The rocket will launch NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1286

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway in the mobile service...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for the arrival of the first stage of a United Launch Allia... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to lift the newly delivered first stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket into the mobile service tower. The rocket will launch NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS. MMS will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. MMS consists of four identical spacecraft that work together to provide the first three-dimensional view of this fundamental process, which occurs throughout the universe.  Launch is set for March 12. To learn more about MMS, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mms.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2015-1289

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway at Space Launch Complex...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to lift the newly delivered first stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket into t... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1350

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Cana... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1351

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comp... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1343

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canave... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1352

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comp... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1344

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canave... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1348

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Cana... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1354

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comp... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1347

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Cana... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1349

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Cana... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1355

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comp... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1345

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canave... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1346

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lifted at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Cana... More

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Four identical MMS spacecraft will study the mystery of how magnetic fields around Earth connect and disconnect, explosively releasing energy via a process known a magnetic reconnection. Launch is set for March 12. To learn more: http://www.nasa.gov/mms. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2015-1353

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sla...

A solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket slated to boost NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, or MMS, is lowered into position inside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comp... More