KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, a worker checks data on the integrated THEMIS spacecraft sitting on the spin table. 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-07pd0070
Summary
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, a worker checks data on the integrated THEMIS spacecraft sitting on the spin table. 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
Tags
kennedy space center
hazardous
astrotech
astrotech space operations
worker
checks
worker checks data
themis
spacecraft
themis spacecraft
spin
table
spin table
probes
satellites
orbit
rocket
constellation
mystery
causes
aurora
borealis
aurora borealis
australis
aurora australis
skies
earth
station
cape canaveral air force station
george
shelton
air force
cape canaveral
high resolution
satellite
nasa
Date
12/01/2007
Location
Source
NASA
Link
Copyright info
Public Domain Dedication (CC0)