The World's Largest Public Domain Media Search Engine

service tower

public
1,086 media by topicpage 1 of 11
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A.  The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern.   A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS.  Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program.  It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury.  Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space.  Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface.  While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1526

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second of two solid rocket boosters is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower and installed on the right side of the Delta IV launch vehicle for the GOES-O spacecraft. GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009.    Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1916

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force St...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second of two solid rocket boosters is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower and installed on the right sid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second of two solid rocket boosters is raised from its transporter. The rocket will be lifted into the mobile service tower and installed on the right side of the Delta IV launch vehicle for the GOES-O spacecraft.  GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009.    Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1915

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force St...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second of two solid rocket boosters is raised from its transporter. The rocket will be lifted into the mobile service ... More

The space shuttle Enterprise, mated to an external tank and solid rocket boosters, rests on the launch mount next to the access tower at Space Launch Complex Six. The shuttle assembly building is on the left and the mobile service tower is on the right

The space shuttle Enterprise, mated to an external tank and solid rock...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: TSGT Doug Gruben Release Status:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Another solid rocket booster (SRB) is lifted to vertical on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, to join the one already in place in the mobile service tower.  The SRBs will be attached to the Delta II Heavy rocket in the background that will launch the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). The Delta II Heavy features nine 46-inch-diameter, stretched SRBs.  SIRTF, consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, is one of NASA's largest infrared telescopes to be launched.  SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Another solid rocket booster (SRB) is l...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Another solid rocket booster (SRB) is lifted to vertical on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, to join the one already in place in the mobile service tower. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   This view from the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, shows two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) already suspended in the tower while another is being lifted.  They are three of nine  46-inch-diameter, stretched SRBs that are being attached to the Delta II Heavy rocket that will launch the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF).  Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA's largest infrared telescopes to be launched.  SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view from the mobile service tower...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view from the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, shows two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) already suspended in the tower while anoth... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Workers on the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, watch as the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) clears the platform.   SIRTF will be attached to the Delta II rocket and encapsulated in its fairing before launch.   Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA’s largest infrared telescopes to be launched.  It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.”  SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, watch as the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) clears the platform. SIRTF will ... More

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. -  The first stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is ready to be lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.  The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects.  The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.  The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The first stage of the Delta II launch vehic...

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The first stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is ready to be lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base... More

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. -  The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is moved into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.   Behind it can be seen the first stage of the Delta II.  The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects.  The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.  The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehi...

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is moved into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  The first stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket arrives at Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for hoisting on the mobile service tower.  The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the MESSENGER spacecraft, scheduled to lift off Aug. 2, bound for Mercury.   The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1388

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Boeing Delta II r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket arrives at Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for hoisting on the mobile service tower. The Delta II is the launch vehicle f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  On Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) waiting to be lifted up the mobile service tower. The SRB and eight others will be mated to the Boeing Delta II Heavy rocket for the Aug. 2 launch of the MESSENGER spacecraft to the planet Mercury.  The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1412

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) waiting to be lifted up the mobile service tower. The SRB and eight others will be mated... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  - The Boeing Delta II Heavy second-stage engine, the Aerojet AJ10-118K, approaches the top of the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  The engine will be mated with the first stage of the Delta II, which is the launch vehicle for the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft, scheduled to lift off Aug. 2.  Bound for Mercury, the spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around the planet in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1449

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - The Boeing Delta II Heavy second-stage...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - The Boeing Delta II Heavy second-stage engine, the Aerojet AJ10-118K, approaches the top of the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The engine wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, check the progress of the Boeing Delta II Heavy second-stage engine as it descends toward the first stage.  The Delta is the launch vehicle for the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft, scheduled to lift off Aug. 2.  Bound for Mercury, the spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around the planet in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1453

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the mobile service tower on P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, check the progress of the Boeing Delta II Heavy second-stage engine as it descends toward the fir... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, two Solid Rocket Boosters are ready in the mobile service tower and a third is lifted from its transporter.  In all, three SRBs will be attached to the Boeing Delta launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission.   Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. KSC-04pd2062

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, two Solid Rocket Boosters are ready in the mobile service tower and a third is lifted from its transporter. In all, three SRBs will b... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -   On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat, covered by a transport canister, is lifted up into the mobile service tower. There the spacecraft will be mated with a Boeing Delta II rocket for launch on April 21.   CALIPSO stands for Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation. It will fly in combination with the CloudSat satellite to provide never-before-seen 3-D perspectives of how clouds and aerosols form, evolve, and affect weather and climate. CALIPSO and CloudSat will join three other satellites in orbit to enhance understanding of climate systems.  Launch of CALIPSO/CloudSat is scheduled for April 21. KSC-06pd0678

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat, covered by a transport canister, is lifted up into the mobi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    Another solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will join the others at left for mating with the Boeing Delta II rocket already in place.  The Delta rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO).  Preparations are under way for a liftoff no earlier than July 22. STEREO consists of two spacecraft whose mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-D. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1004

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Another solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will join the others at left for mating with the B... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   A solid rocket booster, raised to a vertical position on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower and mated with the Boeing Delta II rocket already in place.    The Delta rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO).  Preparations are under way for a liftoff no earlier than Aug. 1. STEREO consists of two spacecraft whose mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-D. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1483

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A solid rocket booster, raised to a ver...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A solid rocket booster, raised to a vertical position on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower and ma... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers help guide the Boeing Delta II second stage for the STEREO launch onto the first stage for mating.  STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  STEREO is expected to lift off in August 2006. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1554

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers help guide the Boeing Delta II second stage for the STEREO launch onto the first sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage segment of a Delta II rocket is being transported to the High-Pressure Test Facility for leak testing.  The segment was destacked from the Delta II rocket in the mobile service tower. At the Boeing plant in Alabama, a leak was observed in the second-stage oxidizer tank for another Delta II that had been scheduled to launch in November; therefore, all identical tanks scheduled for launch in the near future are being checked.  The second stage for the Delta II that will launch STEREO cannot be effectively tested while atop the first stage at Pad 17-B. STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  STEREO is expected to lift off in late August 2006.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd1697

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage segment of a Delta II rocket is being transported to the High-Pressure Test Facility for leak te... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the transportation canister and protective cover have been removed from the STEREO spacecraft in preparation for launch. The scheduled launch date is Oct. 25. STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft that will launch in a piggyback mode, separating after reaching the appropriate orbit.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  The STEREO mission is managed by Goddard. The Applied Physics Laboratory designed and built the spacecraft. The laboratory will maintain command and control of the observatories throughout the mission, while NASA tracks and receives the data, determines the orbit of the satellites, and coordinates the science results. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2282

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the transportation canister and protective cover have been removed from the STEREO spacecraft... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane (foreground) raises the first stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket off its transporter to a vertical position.  The rocket will then be lifted into the mobile service tower. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS spacecraft, consisting of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. After the first stage is in the mobile service tower on the pad, nine solid rocket boosters will be placed around the base of the first stage and attached in sets of three.  THEMIS is scheduled to launch aboard the Delta II at 6:07 p.m. EST on Feb. 15.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0025

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II second stage is being lifted alongside the mobile service tower.  Once inside, it will be mated with the first stage already in place.  The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the THEMIS spacecraft. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0127

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II second stage is being lifted alongside the mobile service tower. Once inside, it will be mated with the first stage ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,  workers inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station erect a protective screen above the THEMIS spacecraft to preserve a clean-room environment. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission is to investigate what causes auroras in the Earth's atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of color. Discovering what causes auroras to change will provide scientists with important details on how the planet's magnetosphere works and the important Sun-Earth connection.  THEMIS is scheduled to launch aboard a Delta II rocket on Feb. 15 during a window extending from 6:08 to 6:27 p.m.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd0257

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers remove the protective cover surrounding the THEMIS spacecraft.  THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission is to investigate what causes auroras in the Earth's atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of color. Discovering what causes auroras to change will provide scientists with important details on how the planet's magnetosphere works and the important Sun-Earth connection.  THEMIS is scheduled to launch aboard a Delta II rocket on Feb. 15 during a window extending from 6:08 to 6:27 p.m.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd0251

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers remove the protective cover surrounding the THEMIS spacecraft. THEMIS consists of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first half of the fairing is moved into place around the THEMIS spacecraft.  The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent.  THEMIS is an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms.  THEMIS consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole.  This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket.  The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the tantalizing mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights.  The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color.  Launch of THEMIS is scheduled for Feb. 15 aboard a Delta II rocket, with the launch service being conducted by the United Launch Alliance.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0340

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first half of the fairing is moved into place around the THEMIS spacecraft. The fairing is a mold... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers remove the canister surrounding NASA's Dawn spacecraft in the mobile service tower.  The spacecraft was clad in a shipping canister for its transport from Astrotech in Titusville, Fla.  The canister will be mated with the Delta II launch vehicle in the tower.  Launch is scheduled for July 7.  Dawn is the ninth mission in NASA's Discovery Program. The spacecraft will be the first to orbit two planetary bodies, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres,  during a single mission. Vesta and Ceres lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is also NASA's first purely scientific mission powered by three solar electric ion propulsion engines.   Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-07pd1676

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers remove the canister surrounding NASA's Dawn spacecraft in the mobile service tower. The spacecraft was clad in a s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is moved through the mobile service tower to the opening that will allow it to be lowered to the ground.  Dawn is being returned to the Astrotech payload processing facility to await a new launch date.  The launch opportunity extends from Sept. 7 to Oct. 15. Dawn is the ninth mission in NASA's Discovery Program. The spacecraft will be the first to orbit two planetary bodies, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres,  during a single mission. Vesta and Ceres lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is also NASA’s first purely scientific mission powered by three solar electric ion propulsion engines.   NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2056

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is moved through the mobile service tower to the opening that will allow it to be lowered to the ground. Dawn ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the  Dawn spacecraft is ready for installation of the fairing. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent.   Dawn is scheduled to launch between 7:25 and 7:54 a.m. on Sept. 26 aboard a Delta II rocket.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2510

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is ready for installation of the fairing. The fairing is a molded str... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This closeup reveals the layers of metal left after demolition April 27 of the mobile service tower, or gantry, at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.   This mammoth structure, with its cavernous clean room, was imploded to make room for the construction of launch pad access and servicing facilities for the new Falcon rockets to be launched by Space Exploration Technologies, known as SpaceX.  The gantry was used for the final spacecraft launch preparations for NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, currently orbiting Saturn.  The launch occurred on Oct. 15, 1997, aboard an Air Force Titan IV-Centaur rocket.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1062

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This closeup reveals the layers of metal left a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This closeup reveals the layers of metal left after demolition April 27 of the mobile service tower, or gantry, at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This mamm... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Suspended vertically, the Delta II second stage is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The second stage will be installed on the first stage for launch of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications.  This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched on June 20. Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd1610

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Suspended vertically, the Delta I...

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --   On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II second stage is lowered inside the mobile service tower toward the first stage.  The second stage will be mated to the first stage for launch of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft.  The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications.  This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched on June 20. Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd1615

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II second stage is lowered inside the mobile service tower toward the first stage. The sec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers help maneuver the GLAST spacecraft into the mobile service tower.  In the tower, GLAST will be mated with the Delta II second stage.  GLAST  is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. The launch date is targeted no earlier than June 3.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1420

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers help maneuver the GLAST spacecraft into the mobile service tower. In the tower, GLAST will be mated with the Delta II second st... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –   In the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, the first half of the fairing moves into place behind the Ocean Surface Topography Mission, or OSTM/Jason 2, spacecraft for encapsulation. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The launch of the OSTM/Jason-2 is scheduled for June 20 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch window extends from 12:46 a.m. to 12:55 a.m. PDT. The satellite will be placed in an 830-mile-high orbit at an inclination of 66 degrees after separating from the Delta II 55 minutes after liftoff.  The five primary science instruments of the Ocean Surface Topography Mission aboard the Jason 2 spacecraft are dedicated to measuring the height of the ocean surface. These measurements will be used to evaluate and forecast climate changes and improve weather forecasting. The results also are expected to help forecasters better predict hurricane intensity. KSC-08pd1791

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the mobile service tower on S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, the first half of the fairing moves into place behind the Ocean Surface Topography Mission, or OSTM/Jason 2, spacecra... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  The Delta II rocket with the Ocean Surface Topography Mission, or OSTM/Jason 2, aboard is poised for launch on Space Launch Complex 2 after rollback of the mobile service tower.   The OSTM/Jason 2 satellite will embark on a globe-circling voyage to continue charting sea level, a vital indicator of global climate change. The mission will return a vast amount of new data that will improve weather, climate and ocean forecasts. OSTM/Jason 2's expected lifetime of at least three years will extend into the next decade the continuous record of these data started in 1992 by NASA and the French space agency Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, or CNES, with the TOPEX/Poseidon mission. The data collection was continued by the two agencies on Jason-1 in 2001. The launch window extends from 12:46 a.m. to 12:55 a.m. PDT. The satellite will be placed in an 830-mile-high orbit at an inclination of 66 degrees after separating from the Delta II 55 minutes after liftoff. Photo credit: Photograph by Carleton Bailie for United Launch Alliance KSC-08pd1815

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta II rocket with the Oce...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta II rocket with the Ocean Surface Topography Mission, or OSTM/Jason 2, aboard is poised for launch on Space Launch Complex 2 after rollback of the mobile service t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The NOAA-N Prime satellite is lifted to the top of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket.  NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base.    Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1492

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is li...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is lifted to the top of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satelli... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Covered by a protective cover, NASA's Kepler spacecraft on Launch pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is lifted alongside the mobile service tower. It will be moved into the tower for mating with the Delta II rocket for launch. The liftoff of Kepler is currently scheduled for 10:48 p.m. EST March 5. Kepler is designed to survey more than 100,000 stars in our galaxy to determine the number of sun-like stars that have Earth-size and larger planets, including those that lie in a star's "habitable zone," a region where liquid water, and perhaps life, could exist. If these Earth-size worlds do exist around stars like our sun, Kepler is expected to be the first to find them and the first to measure how common they are.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1778

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Covered by a protective cover, NASA's Kepler s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Covered by a protective cover, NASA's Kepler spacecraft on Launch pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is lifted alongside the mobile service tower. It will be moved i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV upper stage are being raised to vertical.  They will be moved into the mobile service tower for prelaunch preparations. GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1853

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force St...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV upper stage are being raised to vertical. They will be moved into the mobile service tower for pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV upper stage are being raised to vertical.  They will be moved into the mobile service tower for prelaunch preparations.  GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1852

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force St...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV upper stage are being raised to vertical. They will be moved into the mobile service tower for pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Delta II 7925 rocket stands ready for launch following rollback of the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  Atop  the rocket is NASA's Kepler spacecraft. Kepler is a spaceborne telescope designed to search the nearby region of our galaxy for Earth-size planets orbiting in the habitable zone of stars like our sun. The habitable zone is the region around a star where temperatures permit water to be liquid on a planet's surface.  The challenge for Kepler is to look at a large number of stars in order to statistically estimate the total number of Earth-size planets orbiting sun-like stars in the habitable zone. Kepler will survey more than 100,000 stars in our galaxy.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Delta II 7925 rocket stands ready for launch following rollback of the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 17-B in Florida, after being raised to vertical, the first stage of a Delta II rocket will be lifted into the mobile service tower on for processing. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the STSS Demonstrators Program. STSS Demonstrators Program is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator and is part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency on July 29.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2667

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Co...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 17-B in Florida, after being raised to vertical, the first stage of a Delta II rocket will be lifted into the mobile service tower on ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,  the mobile service tower at right moves toward the first stage of the Delta II rocket.  The boosters in the tower will be attached to the rocket for launch of the STSS Demonstrator spacecraft. The STSS Demonstrators is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator and is part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency on July 29. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2716

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Fo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower at right moves toward the first stage of the Delta II rocket. The boosters in the tower will be atta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers check out the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, after its lift into the mobile service tower.  The LRO/LCROSS will be mated to the Atlas V rocket for launch.  The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface:  DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC.  Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-3300

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers check out the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, after its lift into the mobile service tower. The LRO/LCR... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O satellite is being transported from the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., to Launch Complex 37.  There it will be lifted into the mobile service tower and mated with the United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle.  The GOES-O satellite is targeted to launch no earlier than June 26. The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-O was developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. The GOES satellites continuously provide observations of 60 percent of the Earth including the continental United States, providing weather monitoring and forecast operations as well as a continuous and reliable stream of environmental information and severe weather warnings. Once in orbit, GOES-O will be designated GOES-14, and NASA will provide on-orbit checkout and then transfer operational responsibility to NOAA.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3571

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O satellite is being transported from the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., to Launch Complex 37. There ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers on Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station monitor the progress of the mobile service tower as it slowly rolls back from the Boeing Delta IV rocket that will launch the GOES-O satellite into orbit.  The terminal countdown to the liftoff of GOES-O will begin at 12:59 p.m. EDT for a launch window that extends from 6:14 p.m. to 7:14 p.m. June 26. The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-O was developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Each of the GOES satellites continuously provides observations of 60 percent of the Earth including the continental United States, providing weather monitoring and forecast operations as well as a continuous and reliable stream of environmental information and severe weather warnings. Once in orbit, GOES-O will be designated GOES-14, and NASA will provide on-orbit checkout and then transfer operational responsibility to NOAA.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-3845

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers on Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers on Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station monitor the progress of the mobile service tower as it slowly rolls back from the Boeing Delta IV rocket that will launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The enclosed Space Tracking and Surveillance System – Demonstrators, or STSS-Demo, spacecraft is being lifted into the mobile service tower on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B.  The United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle is already in place in the tower. The STSS Demo is a space-based sensor component of a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System designed for the overall mission of detecting, tracking and discriminating ballistic missiles.  STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency between 8 and 8:58 a.m. EDT Sept. 18.  Approved for Public Release 09-MDA-04886 (10 SEPT 09) Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-5071

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The enclosed Space Tracking and Surveillance Sy...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The enclosed Space Tracking and Surveillance System – Demonstrators, or STSS-Demo, spacecraft is being lifted into the mobile service tower on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers help guide the fairing (at right) into place around the Space Tracking and Surveillance System – Demonstrator spacecraft for encapsulation.  The fairing is a two-part molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent.  STSS Demo is a space-based sensor component of a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System designed for the overall mission of detection, tracking and discriminating ballistic missiles.  STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency between 8 and 8:58 a.m. EDT Sept. 18. Approved for Public Release 09-MDA-4934 (09-22-09) Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2009-5201

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 1...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers help guide the fairing (at right) into place around the Space Tracking and Surve... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers ensure the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, is ready to be transferred into the pad's mobile service tower.    WISE will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects which will be catalogued and provide a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled for Dec. 7.  For additional information, visit http://wise.ssl.berkeley.edu.  Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison, VAFB KSC-2009-5873

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers ensure the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for launch of NASA's Wide-f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers transport the second stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle to NASA's Space Launch Complex 17B in Florida. There, it will be hoisted into the mobile service tower and mated with the first stage.      The Delta II will carry NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, or GRAIL, spacecraft into lunar orbit. The GRAIL mission is a part of NASA's Discovery Program. GRAIL will fly twin spacecraft in tandem orbits around the moon for several months to measure its gravity field. The mission also will answer longstanding questions about Earth's moon and provide scientists a better understanding of how Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system formed. GRAIL is scheduled to launch Sept. 8. For more information visit: http://science.nasa.gov/missions/grail/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3422

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers transport the second stage of a United...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers transport the second stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle to NASA's Space Launch Complex 17B in Florida. There, it will be hoisted into the mobile service to... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, into the mobile service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.       There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3861

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquar...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, into the mobile service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SL... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft for fairing installation. Aquarius will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff.   Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-4277

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower a...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft for fairing installation... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky, at ignition, flames and smoke from the engines begin liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta II Heavy rocket carrying NASA’s twin Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission off Space Launch Complex 17B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. At right is the pad’s mobile service tower. The spacecraft launched at 9:08:52 a.m. EDT Sept. 10. GRAIL-A will separate from the second stage of the rocket at about one hour, 21 minutes after liftoff, followed by GRAIL-B at 90 minutes after launch. The spacecraft are embarking on a three-month journey to reach the moon.     GRAIL will fly twin spacecraft in tandem around the moon to precisely measure and map variations in the moon's gravitational field. The mission will provide the most accurate global gravity field to date for any planet, including Earth. This detailed information will reveal differences in the density of the moon's crust and mantle and will help answer fundamental questions about the moon's internal structure, thermal evolution, and history of collisions with asteroids. The aim is to map the moon's gravity field so completely that future moon vehicles can safely navigate anywhere on the moon’s surface. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/grail. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Don Kight KSC-2011-6911

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky, at ignitio...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky, at ignition, flames and smoke from the engines begin liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta II Heavy rocket carrying NASA’s twin Gravity Recovery... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The lifting device detached and moved away from the upper end of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, in the environmental enclosure, or clean room, at the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.      Launch is scheduled for July 2014.  The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-1923

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The lifting device detached and mo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The lifting device detached and moved away from the upper end of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, in the... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane lifts the third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, into a vertical position at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage.    OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-2147

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane lifts the third solid rock...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane lifts the third solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, into a vertical position at the mobile service tower at Space ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are inspecting the NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2, satellite. The task is taking place prior to encapsulation in its payload fairing atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for 2:56 a.m. PDT 5:56 a.m. EDT on July 1.      OCO-2 is NASA’s first mission dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, the leading human-produced greenhouse gas driving changes in Earth’s climate. OCO-2 will provide a new tool for understanding the human and natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions and the natural "sinks" that absorb carbon dioxide and help control its buildup. The observatory will measure the global geographic distribution of these sources and sinks and study their changes over time. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-2014-3008

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the mobile service tower at Spa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are inspecting the NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final preparations are underway for the launch of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2, aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket, following rollback of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.    Launch is scheduled for 5:56 a.m. EDT on July 1. OCO-2 is NASA’s first mission dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, the leading human-produced greenhouse gas driving changes in Earth’s climate. OCO-2 will provide a new tool for understanding the human and natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions and the natural "sinks" that absorb carbon dioxide and help control its buildup. The observatory will measure the global geographic distribution of these sources and sinks and study their changes over time. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://www.nasa.gov/oco2.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3070

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Final preparations are underway for the launch of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2, aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket, following rollback of the m... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California rolls away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2.    Launch is scheduled for 5:56 a.m. EDT on July 1. OCO-2 is NASA’s first mission dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, the leading human-produced greenhouse gas driving changes in Earth’s climate. OCO-2 will provide a new tool for understanding the human and natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions and the natural "sinks" that absorb carbon dioxide and help control its buildup. The observatory will measure the global geographic distribution of these sources and sinks and study their changes over time. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://www.nasa.gov/oco2.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3081

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower on Space ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California rolls away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California rolls away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2.    Launch of OCO-2 is scheduled for 5:56 a.m. EDT on July 2 following the repair of the pad's water suppression system, which failed on the first launch attempt July 1. OCO-2 is NASA’s first mission dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide, the leading human-produced greenhouse gas driving changes in Earth’s climate. OCO-2 will provide a new tool for understanding the human and natural sources of carbon dioxide emissions and the natural "sinks" that absorb carbon dioxide and help control its buildup. The observatory will measure the global geographic distribution of these sources and sinks and study their changes over time. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://www.nasa.gov/oco2.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3094

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower on Space ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California rolls away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, passes the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on its way to the Horizontal Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.      SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3291

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first stage of the United Laun...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, passes the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comple... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta II interstage adapter, or ISA, for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lowered into place on the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.    Processing of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will loft SMAP into orbit is underway at the pad. The ISA connects the Delta II first and second stages and encloses the second stage engine and thrust section. The spacecraft will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. The data returned also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3504

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta II interstage adapter, o...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta II interstage adapter, or ISA, for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lowered into place on the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tow... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers deliver a solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.    SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3596

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers deliver a solid rocket mot...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers deliver a solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lowered onto the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.    Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3616

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lowered onto the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Spac... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is attached to a crane for its lift into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.    Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3613

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is attached to a crane for its lift into the mobile service tower at Space L... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance, or ULA, workers monitor the progress as the ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket for Exploration Flight Test-1 is lifted to the vertical position in the mobile service tower on the pad at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy is being readied to launch Orion on its first flight test.     During its first flight test, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on the first flight test is planned for December 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2014-4182

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance, or ULA, workers monitor...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance, or ULA, workers monitor the progress as the ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket for Exploration Flight Test-1 is lifted to the vertical position in the mobile service tower ... 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

Shepard Enters Cleanroom, NASA Mercury project

Shepard Enters Cleanroom, NASA Mercury project

(May 5, 1961) Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., makes his way from the elevator to the cleanroom atop the service tower where he'll be inserted into his Mercury space capsule nicknamed "Freedom 7."..Image # : 71P-0270

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – One of two solid rocket boosters arrives on Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  it is the left rocket and it will be lifted into the mobile service tower and mated to the GOES-O Delta IV launch vehicle. GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009.    Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-1902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – One of two solid rocket boosters arrives on Lau...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – One of two solid rocket boosters arrives on Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. it is the left rocket and it will be lifted into the mobile service tower and mated to the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Delta IV launch vehicle for the GOES-O spacecraft stands in the mobile service tower flanked by its two solid rocket boosters.  GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009.    Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force St...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Delta IV launch vehicle for the GOES-O spacecraft stands in the mobile service tower flanked by its two solid rocket b... More

A view of a Titan 34-D launch vehicle in full configuration with main service tower (MST) in park position

A view of a Titan 34-D launch vehicle in full configuration with main ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Eastern Space & Missile Ctr State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released ... More

An overall view of Space Launch Complex Six. The structures are, from left to right: the payload changeout room attached, the shuttle assembly building, the access tower and launch mount, and the mobile service tower. The space shuttle Enterprise, mated to an external tank and solid rocket boosters, is resting on the launch mount

An overall view of Space Launch Complex Six. The structures are, from ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: TSGT Doug Gruben Release Status:... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV second stage arrive on Launch Pad 37.  They will be raised to vertical and moved into the mobile service tower.  GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1845

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV second stage arrive on Launch Pad 37. They will be raised to vertical and moved into the mobile service tower. GO... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV second stage arrive on Launch Pad 37.  They will be raised to vertical and moved into the mobile service tower.  GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1844

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV second stage arrive on Launch Pad 37. They will be raised to vertical and moved into the mobile service tower. GO... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV second stage arrive on Launch Pad 37.  They will be raised to vertical and moved into the mobile service tower.  GOES–O is one of a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P satellites. Launch of the GOES-O is targeted for no earlier than April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1843

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-O and Delta IV second stage arrive on Launch Pad 37. They will be raised to vertical and moved into the mobile service tower. GO... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, prepare the first stage of a Delta II rocket for its lift up the mobile service tower.  The rocket is being erected to launch the Space InfraRed Telescope Facility (SIRTF).  Consisting of an 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF is one of NASA's largest infrared telescopes to be launched.  SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Can...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, prepare the first stage of a Delta II rocket for its lift up the mobile service tower. The rocket is being erecte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   On Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of a Delta II rocket is raised off the transporter before lifting it up and moved into the mobile service tower.  The rocket is being erected to launch the Space InfraRed Telescope Facility (SIRTF).  Consisting of an 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF is one of NASA's largest infrared telescopes to be launched.  SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of a Delta II rocket is raised off the transporter before lifting it up and moved into the mobile service... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - Inside the mobile service tower, or gantry, at Space Launch Complex 2 on North Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., the Aura spacecraft is maneuvered into position over the second stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket.  After it is mated with the second stage, the fairing will be installed.  The latest in the Earth Observing System (EOS) series, Aura is scheduled to launch July 10.  Aura’s four state-of-the-art instruments will study the dynamics of chemistry occurring in the atmosphere.  The spacecraft will provide data to help scientists better understand the Earth’s ozone, air quality and climate change. KSC-04pd1357

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower, or gant...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower, or gantry, at Space Launch Complex 2 on North Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., the Aura spacecraft is maneuvered into position over the second st... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, check the cables on the overhead crane that will lift the first stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket off its transporter and moved into the mobile service tower.  The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the MESSENGER spacecraft, scheduled to lift off Aug. 2, bound for Mercury.   The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1389

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, check the cables on the overhead crane that will lift the first stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket off its transporter and m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  The first stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted off its transporter on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station toward the mobile service tower.  The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the MESSENGER spacecraft, scheduled to lift off Aug. 2, bound for Mercury.   The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1391

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Boeing Delta II r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted off its transporter on Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station toward the mobile service tower. The Delta II is the laun... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  The first Solid Rocket Booster  (SRB) for the MESSENGER spacecraft launch is lifted up the mobile service tower at Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  The SRB will be mated to the Boeing Delta II Heavy rocket for the Aug. 2 launch to the planet Mercury.  The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) fo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) for the MESSENGER spacecraft launch is lifted up the mobile service tower at Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The SRB will be mate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station keep watch as the MESSENGER spacecraft is moved inside.  The spacecraft will be mated to the Boeing Delta II Heavy rocket.  Liftoff is scheduled for Aug. 2.  The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around the planet in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1519

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the mobile service tower on L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station keep watch as the MESSENGER spacecraft is moved inside. The spacecraft will be mated to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the mobile service tower at Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the unwrapped MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft waits under an environmental curtain for encapsulation.  Visible in this view is the sunshade that will protect MESSENGER’s instruments during exposure to the sun as it orbits Mercury.  Scheduled to launch Aug. 2, MESSENGER will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. It is expected to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md.  Processing is being done at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla. KSC-04pd1540

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the mobile service tower at Launch Co...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the mobile service tower at Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the unwrapped MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the MESSENGER spacecraft is lifted up the mobile service tower, where it will be mated to the Boeing Delta II Heavy rocket.  Liftoff is scheduled for Aug. 2.  The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around the planet in March 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1514

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the MESSENGER spacecraft is lifted up the mobile service tower, where it will be mated to the Boeing Delta II Heavy rocket. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket with the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft aboard waits for rollback of the mobile service tower and a second launch attempt in two days.  The first attempt Aug. 2 was postponed due to lightning potential from residual clouds that were associated with Tropical Storm Alex.   The launch of MESSENGER on a seven-year journey to the planet Mercury is rescheduled for this date at 2:15:56 a.m. EDT at the opening of a 12-second launch window.  MESSENGER will fly by Earth, Venus and Mercury several times to burn off energy before making its final approach to the inner planet on March 18, 2011.  MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1619

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket with the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft aboard ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the shrouded first half of the payload fairing for the STEREO spacecraft is lowered into a clean room.  It will later be installed around the spacecraft for protection during launch.  The fairing will be moved into the clean room in the tower and later installed around the spacecraft for protection during launch.  The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. STEREO, which stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, comprises two spacecraft.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  STEREO is expected to lift off aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket in August 2006.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd1559

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the shrouded first half of the payload fairing for the STEREO spacecraft is lower... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle for the STEREO spacecraft is lowered toward the Delta first stage below for remating.  The second stage has been returned to the pad after being tested for leaks in the High-Pressure Test Facility; no leak was observed.  STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  STEREO is expected to lift off on Aug. 31.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd1741

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle for the STEREO spacecraft is lowered... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   At Launch Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a crane raises the second stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle for the STEREO spacecraft.   The stage has been returned to the pad after being tested for leaks in the High-Pressure Test Facility; no leak was observed. The stage will again be lifted into the mobile service tower and remated with the Delta first stage.  STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  STEREO is expected to lift off on Aug. 31.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd1734

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a crane raises the second stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle for the STEREO spacecraft. The stage has been ret... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers unlatch the transportation canister segments that enclose the STEREO spacecraft.  The spacecraft is being prepared for launch, scheduled for Oct. 25.  STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft that will launch in a piggyback mode, separating after reaching the appropriate orbit.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  The STEREO mission is managed by Goddard. The Applied Physics Laboratory designed and built the spacecraft. The laboratory will maintain command and control of the observatories throughout the mission, while NASA tracks and receives the data, determines the orbit of the satellites, and coordinates the science results. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2275

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers unlatch the transportation canister segments that enclose the STEREO spacecraft. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  After arriving at Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the STEREO spacecraft waits for a crane to be fitted over it and be lifted into the mobile service tower.  STEREO will be mated with its launch vehicle, a Boeing Delta II rocket. STEREO stands for Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and comprises two spacecraft.  The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  The STEREO mission is managed by Goddard Space Flight Center. The Applied Physics Laboratory designed and built the spacecraft. The laboratory will maintain command and control of the observatories throughout the mission, while NASA tracks and receives the data, determines the orbit of the satellites, and coordinates the science results. STEREO is expected to lift off Oct. 25.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2264

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After arriving at Launch Pad 17-B on Cap...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After arriving at Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the STEREO spacecraft waits for a crane to be fitted over it and be lifted into the mobile service tower. ST... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one segment of the fairing is lifted toward the STEREO spacecraft in the foreground.   The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  Designed and built by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) , the STEREO mission is being managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. APL will maintain command and control of the observatories throughout the mission, while NASA tracks and receives the data, determines the orbit of the satellites, and coordinates the science results. STEREO is expected to lift off Oct. 25. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2374

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, one segment of the fairing is lifted toward the STEREO spacecraft in the foreground. The f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the two fairing segments close in around the STEREO spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-dimension. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.  Designed and built by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) , the STEREO mission is being managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. APL will maintain command and control of the observatories throughout the mission, while NASA tracks and receives the data, determines the orbit of the satellites, and coordinates the science results. STEREO is expected to lift off Oct. 25. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2380

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the two fairing segments close in around the STEREO spacecraft. The fairing is a molded str... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station complete installation of a protective screen above the THEMIS spacecraft to preserve a clean-room environment. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission is to investigate what causes auroras in the Earth's atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of color. Discovering what causes auroras to change will provide scientists with important details on how the planet's magnetosphere works and the important Sun-Earth connection.  THEMIS is scheduled to launch aboard a Delta II rocket on Feb. 15 during a window extending from 6:08 to 6:27 p.m.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd0258

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers inside the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II rocket with the THEMIS spacecraft atop sits ready for launch on Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in this aerial view of the launch complex area as the mobile service tower begins to move away.  THEMIS, an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole.  This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA has ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket.  The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights.  The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color.  Launch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0415

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II rocket with the THEMIS spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II rocket with the THEMIS spacecraft atop sits ready for launch on Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in this aerial view of the launch complex area as the mobi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower surrounds the Delta II rocket with the THEMIS spacecraft atop. THEMIS, an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole.  This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA has ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket.  The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights.  The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color.  Launch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0409

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower surrounds the Delta II rocket with the THEMIS spacecraft atop. THEMIS, an acronym for Time History ... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   The truck and transporter carrying the first stage of a Delta II rocket pull beneath the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Phoenix spacecraft, targeted for launch on Aug. 3,heading for Mars.  Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd1550

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The truck and transporter carrying the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The truck and transporter carrying the first stage of a Delta II rocket pull beneath the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket i... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --     At Astrotech, technicians examine the lower canister they placed around the bottom of the Dawn spacecraft.  When enclosed in the canister, Dawn will be transported to Launch Pad 17-B and lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II launch vehicle. The Delta II-Heavy, manufactured by the United Launch Alliance, is scheduled to launch the Dawn spacecraft on its 4-year flight to the asteroid belt.  The Delta II-Heavy will use three stages and nine solid-fueled booster rockets to propel Dawn on its way. A 9.5-foot payload fairing will protect the spacecraft from the heat and stresses of launch. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail the largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres.  They reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt.  Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7.    Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, technicians examine th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, technicians examine the lower canister they placed around the bottom of the Dawn spacecraft. When enclosed in the canister, Dawn will be transported to Launch Pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At Launch Pad 17-B, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare NASA's Dawn spacecraft mated to the Delta II upper stage booster, for hoisting up into the mobile service tower.  Dawn will be mated with the Delta II launch vehicle.   Dawn is the ninth mission in NASA's Discovery Program. The spacecraft will be the first to orbit two planetary bodies, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres,  during a single mission. Vesta and Ceres lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is also NASA's first purely scientific mission powered by three solar electric ion propulsion engines. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder. KSC-07pd1658

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 17-B, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare NASA's Dawn spacecraft mated to the Delta II upper stage booster, for hoisting up into the mobile service ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  --  Inside the mobile service tower of Launch Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers remove the container from NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander.  Launch of Phoenix is scheduled to launch on the Delta II launch vehicle no earlier than Aug. 3. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2091

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the mobile service tower of Lau...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the mobile service tower of Launch Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers remove the container from NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander. Launch of Phoeni... More

Previous

of 11

Next