astrotech payload

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. install thermal insulation on NASA's Juno magnetometer boom. The boom structure is attached to Juno's solar array #1 that will help power the NASA spacecraft on its mission to Jupiter.      The solar-powered spacecraft will orbit Jupiter's poles 33 times to find out more about the gas giant's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere and investigate the existence of a solid planetary core. Juno is scheduled to launch aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Aug. 5. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/juno. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller    It will splash down into the Atlantic Ocean where the ship and its crew will recover it and tow it back through Port Canaveral for refurbishing for another launch. The STS-124 mission is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. Photo credit: USA/Jeff Suter KSC-2011-2821

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Astrotech payload processin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. install thermal insulation on NASA's Juno magnetometer boom. The boom structure is attached to Juno's solar a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where Applied Physics Laboratory technicians will begin spacecraft testing and prelaunch preparations.  The twin RBSP spacecraft arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility in the cargo bay of a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft earlier in the day.          The RBSP mission will help us understand the sun’s influence on Earth and near-Earth space by studying the Earth’s radiation belts on various scales of space and time. The RBSP instruments will provide the measurements needed to characterize and quantify the plasma processes that produce very energetic ions and relativistic electrons. The mission is part of NASA’s broader Living With a Star Program that was conceived to explore fundamental processes that operate throughout the solar system, and in particular those that generate hazardous space weather effects in the vicinity of Earth and phenomena that could impact solar system exploration. RBSP is scheduled to begin its mission of exploration of Earth's Van Allen Radiation Belts and the extremes of space weather after launch. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for August 23.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/rbsp.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2638

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the flatbed truck  with the SV-1 cargo of the STSS Demonstrator spacecraft begins moving to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.  The spacecraft is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator, 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 in late summer.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett  (Approved for Public Release 09-MDA-4804 [4 Aug 09] ) KSC-2009-4615

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the flatbed truck with the SV-1 cargo of the STSS Demonstrator spacecraft begins moving to the Astrotech payload processing facil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is lowered onto the floor.  Developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, the GOES-O satellite is targeted to launch April 28 onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle. Once in orbit, GOES-O will be designated GOES-14, and NASA will provide on-orbit checkout and then transfer operational responsibility to NOAA. GOES-O will be placed in on-orbit storage as a replacement for an older GOES satellite.  The satellite will undergo final testing of the imaging system, instrumentation, communications and power systems.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1939

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Astrotech payload processing facility in...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is lowered onto the floor. Developed by NASA for ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is lifted from the transporter and moved into the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.  Developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, the GOES-O satellite is targeted to launch April 28 onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle.  Once in orbit, GOES-O will be designated GOES-14, and NASA will provide on-orbit checkout and then transfer operational responsibility to NOAA. GOES-O will be placed in on-orbit storage as a replacement for an older GOES satellite.  The satellite will undergo final testing of the imaging system, instrumentation, communications and power systems. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1938

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The latest Geostationary Operational Environmen...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is lifted from the transporter and moved into the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. Develop... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, has been offloaded from a C-17 military cargo aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center  in Florida. The satellite will be moved to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. Developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, the GOES-O satellite is targeted to launch April 28 onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1936

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The latest Geostationary Operational Environmen...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, has been offloaded from a C-17 military cargo aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center  in Florida, the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is secured on a transporter for its move to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.  Developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, the GOES-O satellite is targeted to launch April 28 onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1937

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is secured on a transporter for its move... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - In the predawn hours, the Aura spacecraft is being transported from the Astrotech payload processing facility located a few miles south of Space Launch Complex 2 on North Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.  The latest in the Earth Observing System (EOS) series, Aura is scheduled to launch July 10 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket.  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-04pd1350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the predawn hours, the Aura spacecraf...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the predawn hours, the Aura spacecraft is being transported from the Astrotech payload processing facility located a few miles south of Space Launch Complex 2 on North Vandenber... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - In the predawn hours, the Aura spacecraft is transported the short distance from the Astrotech payload processing facility to Space Launch Complex 2 on North Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.  The latest in the Earth Observing System (EOS) series, Aura is scheduled to launch July 10 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket.  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-04pd1351

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the predawn hours, the Aura spacecraf...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the predawn hours, the Aura spacecraft is transported the short distance from the Astrotech payload processing facility to Space Launch Complex 2 on North Vandenberg Air Force B... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - On Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-N spacecraft is secured to a transporter for its transfer back to Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., after being demated from the Boeing Delta IV launch vehicle. Launch of the satellite was scrubbed in August 2005 due to technical issues and postponed to a later date. Due to the extended length of time the spacecraft has been atop the rocket without launching, the weather satellite is being returned to the Astrotech payload processing facility for some precautionary retesting and state-of-health checks. GOES-N is the latest in a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites for NOAA and NASA providing continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0341

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the GOES-N spacecraft is secured to a transporter for its transfer back to Astrotech Space Operations in Titusv... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a payload fairing, arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.  Liftoff of the satellite from Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida was scrubbed in August 2005 due to technical issues and postponed to a later date. Due to the extended length of time the spacecraft had been atop its Delta IV rocket without launching, the weather satellite is being returned to Astrotech for some precautionary retesting and state of health checks. GOES-N is the latest in a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites for NOAA and NASA providing continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0347

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a payload fairing, arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. Liftoff of the satellite from Launch Complex 37 at ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a payload fairing, enters the clean room high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.  Liftoff of the satellite from Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida was scrubbed in August 2005 due to technical issues and postponed to a later date. Due to the extended length of time the spacecraft had been atop its Delta IV rocket without launching, the weather satellite is being returned to Astrotech for some precautionary retesting and state of health checks. GOES-N is the latest in a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites for NOAA and NASA providing continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0349

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a payload fairing, enters the clean room high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. Liftoff of the satellite fro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a payload fairing, is rolled into the clean room high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.  Liftoff of the satellite from Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida was scrubbed in August 2005 due to technical issues and postponed to a later date. Due to the extended length of time the spacecraft had been atop its Delta IV rocket without launching, the weather satellite is being returned to Astrotech for some precautionary retesting and state of health checks. GOES-N is the latest in a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites for NOAA and NASA providing continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The GOES-N satellite, secured inside a payload fairing, is rolled into the clean room high bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. Liftoff of the satel... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -   This is the mission patch for the CALIPSO/CloudSat mission showing the dual spacecraft.  It hangs on the wall inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where the CALIPSO/CloudSat spacecraft is being readied for launch.  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-06pd0672

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - This is the mission patch for t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - This is the mission patch for the CALIPSO/CloudSat mission showing the dual spacecraft. It hangs on the wall inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenber... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister is lowered toward the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat below.  Once inside the canister, the spacecraft will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0664

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister is lowered toward the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister is lowered over the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat below.  Once inside the canister, the spacecraft will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0665

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister is lowered over the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister, at left, is moved across the high bay toward the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat waiting at right.  The canister will be lowered over the spacecraft for the move to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0663

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister, at left, is moved across the high bay toward the covered... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker secures the transport canister around the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat.  The spacecraft will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0667

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker secures the transport canister around the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -  Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure the transport canister around the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat.  The spacecraft will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2.  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. KSC-06pd0669

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Pro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure the transport canister around the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and Cl... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister covers the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat.  The spacecraft will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0666

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister covers the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat. The spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -  Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure the transport canister around the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat.  The spacecraft will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0668

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Pro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure the transport canister around the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and Cl... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -  Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California,  the transport canister is prepared for lifting.  It will be placed over the covered dual spacecraft, CALIPSO and CloudSat, for the move to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0661

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Pro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the transport canister is prepared for lifting. It will be placed over the co... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -   Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat, covered by a transport canister, is lowered onto a payload transporter.  The spacecraft is being moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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-06pd0671

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Pr...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat, covered by a transport canister, is ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -  Workers in the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California prepare the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat for placement inside the transport canister and the move to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0662

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Workers in the Astrotech Payload...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Workers in the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California prepare the covered dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat for placement insid... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -  Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the transport canister covering the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat.  The spacecraft is being moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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. KSC-06pd0670

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Pro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the transport canister covering the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -   Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat, covered by a transport canister, is lowered onto a transporter.  The spacecraft is being moved to Space Launch Complex 2. There the spacecraft will be lifted and 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-06pd0673

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Pr...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the dual spacecraft CALIPSO and CloudSat, covered by a transport canister, is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers separate the Dawn spacecraft from the Delta II second stage.  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-07pd2054

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, workers separate the Dawn spacecraft from the Delta II second stage. Dawn is being returned to the Astrotech payload processing fa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers roll the uncanned Dawn spacecraft into an inner room.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers roll the uncanned Dawn spacecraft into an inner room. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers guide the movement of the upper canister being lifted from the Dawn spacecraft, seen encased in a protective cover.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers guide the movement of the upper canister being lifted from the Dawn spacecraft, seen encased in a protective cover. Dawn was... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is lowered from the mobile service tower to the ground and a waiting transporter.  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-07pd2060

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 lowered from the mobile service tower to the ground and a waiting transporter. Dawn is being returned to th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  Sitting on a transporter, the Dawn spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Sitting on a transporter, the Dawn space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Sitting on a transporter, the Dawn spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is lowered from the mobile service tower 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-07pd2059

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 lowered from the mobile service tower to the ground. Dawn is being returned to the Astrotech payload proces... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is safely secured on a transporter for its trip to Astrotech. 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-07pd2061

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 safely secured on a transporter for its trip to Astrotech. Dawn is being returned to the Astrotech payload p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers consider the next step in removing the lower canister from around the Dawn spacecraft.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2067

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers consider the next step in removing the lower canister from around the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  The Dawn spacecraft is moved inside the Astrotech payload processing facility.   Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2063

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — The Dawn spacecraft is moved inside the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — The Dawn spacecraft is moved inside the Astrotech payload processing facility. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech to await a ... 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. —   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers begin removing the lower canister from around the Dawn spacecraft.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers begin removing the lower canister from around the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers separate the upper and lower canisters around the Dawn spacecraft.   Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2065

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers separate the upper and lower canisters around the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers remove the lower canister from around the Dawn spacecraft.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2069

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — At the Astrotech payload processing facility, workers remove the lower canister from around the Dawn spacecraft. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Forc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft has been separated from the Delta II second stage.  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-07pd2055

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 has been separated from the Delta II second stage. Dawn is being returned to the Astrotech payload processing ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is lowered from the mobile service tower 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-07pd2058

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 lowered from the mobile service tower to the ground. Dawn is being returned to the Astrotech payload process... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  Still on its transporter, the Dawn spacecraft is ready for removal of its canister at the Astrotech payload processing facility.   Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Still on its transporter, the Dawn space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Still on its transporter, the Dawn spacecraft is ready for removal of its canister at the Astrotech payload processing facility. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Dawn spacecraft is ready to be lowered through the opening in the mobile service tower 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-07pd2057

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 ready to be lowered through the opening in the mobile service tower to the ground. Dawn is being returned to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —   The Dawn spacecraft is back at the Astrotech payload processing facility to wait for another launch date.  Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Astrotech 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — The Dawn spacecraft is back at the Astr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — The Dawn spacecraft is back at the Astrotech payload processing facility to wait for another launch date. Dawn was returned from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is removed from the truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center to begin prelaunch activities. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0612

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shipping container holding NASA's G...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is removed from the truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is removed from the truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center to begin prelaunch activities. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0611

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shipping container holding NASA's G...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is removed from the truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, workers maneuver the shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, into place. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0614

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, workers maneuver the shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, the shipping container covering NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lifted.  Workers will prepare for a complete checkout of the telescope's scientific instruments. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0615

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, the shipping container covering NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lifted. Work... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, workers check NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, after removal of the shipping container.  The workers will prepare for a complete checkout of the telescope's scientific instruments. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0617

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, workers check NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, after removal of the shipping cont... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, the shipping container covering NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lifted to reveal the protected equipment inside.  Workers will prepare for a complete checkout of the telescope's scientific instruments. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0616

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center, the shipping container covering NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lifted to rev... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is moved into the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center to begin prelaunch activities. The GLAST will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0613

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shipping container holding NASA's G...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shipping container holding NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is moved into the Astrotech payload processing facility near the Kennedy Space Center to begi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   General Dynamics technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility begin removing the protective cover over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The space telescope will be moved to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0644

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- General Dynamics technicians in the As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- General Dynamics technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility begin removing the protective cover over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The spa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   In the Astrotech payload processing facility, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, sits uncovered before its move to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0646

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, sits uncovered before its move to a work stand in the facility for a complete... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians lower a crane over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  After the crane is securely attached, the GLAST will be lifted and moved to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0647

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians lower a crane over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. After the crane is securely a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   A General Dynamics technician in the Astrotech payload processing facility releases a corner of the protective cover over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, after its arrival.  GLAST will be moved to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the telescope's scientific instruments.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0643

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A General Dynamics technician in the A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A General Dynamics technician in the Astrotech payload processing facility releases a corner of the protective cover over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lifted and begins moving toward the work stand in the foreground.  There GLAST will undergo a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard. The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0649

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lifted and begins moving toward ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   General Dynamics technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility remove the protective cover over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The space telescope will be moved to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0645

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- General Dynamics technicians in the As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- General Dynamics technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility remove the protective cover over NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The space teles... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is moved toward a work stand (at left) in the facility.  There GLAST will undergo a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard. The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0651

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is moved toward a work stand (at le... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians check NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, as an overhead crane is lowered over it.  After the crane is securely attached, the GLAST will be lifted and moved to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0648

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians check NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, as an overhead crane is lowered over it. A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians secure NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, onto a work stand.  There GLAST will undergo a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0653

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians secure NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, onto a work stand. There GLAST will under... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lowered onto a work stand.  There GLAST will undergo a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard. . The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0652

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is lowered onto a work stand. Ther... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians secure NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, on a work stand as the overhead crane is lifted away.  GLAST will undergo a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard. The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0654

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians secure NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, on a work stand as the overhead crane is li... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is moved toward a work stand (at left) in the facility.  There GLAST will undergo a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard. The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0650

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians keep watch as NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, is moved toward a work stand (at le... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians install the second of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0770

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians install the second of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The te... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians install one of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0766

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians install one of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The telescop... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, one of twin solar arrays awaits processing as General Dynamics technicians install the other of the pair on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0768

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, one of twin solar arrays awaits processing as General Dynamics technicians install the other of the pair on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Are... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians use a socket wrench equipped with a torque meter to tighten the bolts holding one of twin solar arrays to NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0767

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians use a socket wrench equipped with a torque meter to tighten the bolts holding one of twin solar arrays to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians guide one of twin solar arrays toward NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0764

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians guide one of twin solar arrays toward NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The telesc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians lift one of twin solar arrays that will be installed on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0763

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians lift one of twin solar arrays that will be installed on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or G... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians move the second of twin solar arrays toward NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0769

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians move the second of twin solar arrays toward NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians prepare to install the twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0761

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians prepare to install the twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician studies one of twin solar arrays that will be installed on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.   The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0762

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician studies one of twin solar arrays that will be installed on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, one of twin solar arrays is positioned on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.    The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0765

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, one of twin solar arrays is positioned on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The telescope will launch aboard a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician finishes the installation of the second of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0771

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician finishes the installation of the second of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician prepares to test the deployment mechanism on the solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0781

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician prepares to test the deployment mechanism on the solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, the mechanism on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, solar arrays has been released.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0783

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, the mechanism on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, solar arrays has been released. The telescope will launch aboard ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, completes the test of the deployment mechanism on its solar arrays. The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0784

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, completes the test of the deployment mechanism on its solar arrays. The telescope w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician prepares to test the deployment mechanism of the solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0782

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, a General Dynamics technician prepares to test the deployment mechanism of the solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians, sitting beneath the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, carefully position a high-gain antenna under the spacecraft as they prepare to install it on the spacecraft.  The 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. Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. EDT May 16. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0952

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians, sitting beneath the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, carefull... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians put the finishing touches on a high-gain antenna that will be installed on the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The 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. Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. EDT May 16. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0950

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians put the finishing touches on a high-gain antenna that will be installed on th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians, sitting beneath the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST,  position a high-gain antenna under the spacecraft before it is installed.  The 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. Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. EDT May 16. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0951

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians, sitting beneath the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, positio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians prepare a high-gain antenna for installation on the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The 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. Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. EDT May 16. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0949

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians prepare a high-gain antenna for installation on the Gamma-ray Large Area Spac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians prepare the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, for the installation of its high-gain antenna.  The 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. Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. EDT May 16. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0948

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians prepare the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, for the installat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians, sitting under the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, install a high-gain antenna on the spacecraft.  The 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. Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. EDT May 16. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0953

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, General Dynamics technicians, sitting under the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, install a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker picks up one of the star tracker sun shades to install on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0999

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker picks up one of the star tracker sun shades to install on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the star tracker sun shades are waiting to be installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the star tracker sun shades are waiting to be installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installation.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker looks over the star tracker sun shades installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1007

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker looks over the star tracker sun shades installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install another of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1005

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install another of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install one of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1000

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install one of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a  worker cleans around the area where star tracker sun shades will be installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0997

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker cleans around the area where star tracker sun shades will be installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker cleans the solar panel sun tracker on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1004

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker cleans the solar panel sun tracker on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts the star tracker sun shade installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1006

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts the star tracker sun shade installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install one of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install one of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installation.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0994

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts the star tracker sun shades installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1003

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts the star tracker sun shades installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installation.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0995

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install another of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers install another of the star tracker sun shades on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  At the Astrotech payload processing facility, technicians conduct black light inspection on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST,  spacecraft. The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.   Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Astrotech payload processing facility, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Astrotech payload processing facility, technicians conduct black light inspection on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The GLAST is a powerful sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   At the Astrotech payload processing facility, technicians give NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST,  spacecraft a final cleaning.  The 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. A launch date is still to be determined.   Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1037

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Astrotech payload processing facility,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Astrotech payload processing facility, technicians give NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft a final cleaning. The GLAST is a powerful space observ... More

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