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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1966

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1969

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Sp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1970

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first, second and third stage motors for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket are lined up after arrival. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3875

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Orbital Sciences payload ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first, second and third stage motors for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus X... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the second (right) and third stage motors of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3871

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payloa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the second (right) and third stage motors of the Taurus XL... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the third stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3870

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the third stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A truck arrives at the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying the first, second and third stage motors for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3869

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A truck arrives at the Orbital S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A truck arrives at the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying the first, second and third stage motors for the lau... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unstrap the newly arrived second (left) and first stage motors for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3874

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unstrap the newly arrived second (left) and first stage motors for t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first stage motor for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket waits to be moved inside. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3873

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first stage motor for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket waits to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the second stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009 into the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3872

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the second stage mo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the second stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009 into the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Van... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences Corp. technicians connect the third stage of the Taurus XL rocket to the avionics of the temporary vehicle interface fixture. The fixture will come off once integrated with the encapsulated Glory spacecraft at the launch site. The Taurus XL rocket, targeted to lift off Feb. 23, 2011, from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E, will take NASA's Glory satellite into low Earth. Glory is scheduled to collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5725

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences Corp. technicians connect the third stage of the Taurus XL rocket to the avionics of the tempora... More

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-045 -- Students at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly prepare to integrate miniature research satellites called CubeSats into a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer PPOD container. The PPOD and CubeSat Project were developed by Cal Poly and Stanford University’s Space Systems Development Lab for use on NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellite ELaNa missions. Each CubeSat measures about 4-inches cubed and is about the same volume as a quart. The CubeSats weigh about 2.2 pounds, must conform to standard aerospace materials and must operate without propulsion. The satellites are being prepared to launch with NASA's Glory spacecraft aboard an Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket, targeted to lift off Feb. 23, 2011, from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E. Glory is scheduled to collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon from its place in low Earth orbit. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Photo credit: U.S. Air Force/Jerry E. Clemens Jr. KSC-2010-5777

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-045 -- Students at Californi...

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-045 -- Students at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly prepare to integrate miniature research satellites called CubeSats into a Poly Picosatellite Orbital... More

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-054 -- Roland Coelho and Ryan Nugent, students at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly, integrate miniature research satellites called CubeSats into a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer PPOD container. The PPOD and CubeSat Project were developed by Cal Poly and Stanford University’s Space Systems Development Lab for use on NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellite ELaNa missions. Each CubeSat measures about 4-inches cubed and is about the same volume as a quart. The CubeSats weigh about 2.2 pounds, must conform to standard aerospace materials and must operate without propulsion. The satellites are being prepared to launch with NASA's Glory spacecraft aboard an Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket, targeted to lift off Feb. 23, 2011, from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E. Glory is scheduled to collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon from its place in low Earth orbit. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Photo credit: U.S. Air Force/Jerry E. Clemens Jr. KSC-2010-5778

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-054 -- Roland Coelho and Rya...

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-054 -- Roland Coelho and Ryan Nugent, students at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly, integrate miniature research satellites called CubeSats into a Poly ... More

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-059 -- Roland Coelho and Ryan Nugent, students at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly, integrate miniature research satellites called CubeSats into a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer PPOD container. The PPOD and CubeSat Project were developed by Cal Poly and Stanford University’s Space Systems Development Lab for use on NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellite ELaNa missions. Each CubeSat measures about 4-inches cubed and is about the same volume as a quart. The CubeSats weigh about 2.2 pounds, must conform to standard aerospace materials and must operate without propulsion. The satellites are being prepared to launch with NASA's Glory spacecraft aboard an Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket, targeted to lift off Feb. 23, 2011, from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E. Glory is scheduled to collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon from its place in low Earth orbit. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Photo credit: U.S. Air Force/Jerry E. Clemens Jr. KSC-2010-5779

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-059 -- Roland Coelho and Rya...

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-059 -- Roland Coelho and Ryan Nugent, students at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly, integrate miniature research satellites called CubeSats into a Poly ... More

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-060 -- Roland Coelho, a student at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly, inspects the integration alignment of miniature research satellites called a CubeSats into a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer PPOD container. The PPOD and CubeSat Project were developed by Cal Poly and Stanford University’s Space Systems Development Lab for use on NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellite ELaNa missions. Each CubeSat measures about 4-inches cubed and is about the same volume as a quart. The CubeSats weigh about 2.2 pounds, must conform to standard aerospace materials and must operate without propulsion. The satellites are being prepared to launch with NASA's Glory spacecraft aboard an Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket, targeted to lift off Feb. 23, 2011, from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E. Glory is scheduled to collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon from its place in low Earth orbit. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Photo credit: U.S. Air Force/Jerry E. Clemens Jr. KSC-2010-5780

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-060 -- Roland Coelho, a stud...

San Luis Obispo, Calif. -- 101116-F-8290C-060 -- Roland Coelho, a student at California Polytechnic State University Cal Poly, inspects the integration alignment of miniature research satellites called a CubeSa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft is situated on a dolly and ready for processing. Next, technicians will take off Glory's protective covering before it is encapsulated in a protective payload fairing for flight. In early February, Glory is scheduled to be transported Space Launch Complex 576-E where it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket, which is manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corp. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1119

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft is situated on a dolly and ready for processing. Next, technici... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to transfer NASA's Glory spacecraft to a processing dolly. Next, technicians will take off Glory's protective covering before it is encapsulated in a protective payload fairing for flight. In early February, Glory is scheduled to be transported Space Launch Complex 576-E where it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket, which is manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corp. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1117

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to transfer NASA's Glory spacecraft to a processing dolly. Next, te... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians remove the shipping container surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, technicians will take off Glory's protective covering before it is encapsulated in a protective payload fairing for flight. In early February, Glory is scheduled to be transported Space Launch Complex 576-E where it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket, which is manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corp. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1115

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians remove the shipping container surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, tec... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to remove the shipping container surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, technicians will take off Glory's protective covering before it is encapsulated in a protective payload fairing for flight. In early February, Glory is scheduled to be transported Space Launch Complex 576-E where it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket, which is manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corp. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1114

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to remove the shipping container surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to remove the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1087

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to remove the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the protective payload fairing that will surround NASA's Glory spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility. Once encapsulated, the spacecraft will be transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1095

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the protective payload fairing that will surround NASA's Glory spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility. O... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1091

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft will be removed from its protective covering. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1084

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft will be removed from its protective covering. Next, the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft will be removed from its protective covering. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1085

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft will be removed from its protective covering. Next, the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the protective payload fairing that will surround NASA's Glory spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility. Once encapsulated, the spacecraft will be transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1094

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the protective payload fairing that will surround NASA's Glory spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility. O... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1093

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker installs a protective blanket over the Stage 0 motor in preparation for its move to Space Launch Complex 576-E, scheduled for Jan. 17. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1098

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Orbital Sciences Corp....

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker installs a protective blanket over the Stage 0 motor in preparation for ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The payload fairing for the Glory mission stands in the East High Bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload fairing will cover the Glory spacecraft and be placed at the top of a Taurus XL rocket slated to lift the spacecraft into orbit. The payload fairing will protect the Glory spacecraft from aerodynamic pressures and heating during the first part of its climb into orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1168

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The payload fairing for the Glory...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The payload fairing for the Glory mission stands in the East High Bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload fa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician uncovers half of the payload fairing for the Glory mission after the section was moved to the East High Bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload fairing will protect the Glory spacecraft from aerodynamic pressures and heating during the first part of its climb into orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1163

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician uncovers half of the...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician uncovers half of the payload fairing for the Glory mission after the section was moved to the East High Bay of the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vand... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician prepare to remove the covering of the payload fairing for the Glory mission. He is working inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload fairing will protect the Glory spacecraft from aerodynamic pressures and heating during the first part of its climb into orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1164

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician prepare to remove th...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician prepare to remove the covering of the payload fairing for the Glory mission. He is working inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Fo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician works in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California before the pieces that will make up the payload fairing for the Glory mission are moved to the East High Bay. The payload fairing will protect the Glory spacecraft from aerodynamic pressures and heating during the first part of its climb into orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1162

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician works in the Astrote...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician works in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California before the pieces that will make up the payload fairing for the Gl... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians wheel the payload fairing for the Glory mission into the East High Bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload fairing will cover the Glory spacecraft and be placed at the top of a Taurus XL rocket slated to lift the spacecraft into orbit. The payload fairing will protect the Glory spacecraft from aerodynamic pressures and heating during the first part of its climb into orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1167

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians wheel the payload fai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians wheel the payload fairing for the Glory mission into the East High Bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. T... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician works with half of the payload fairing to be used in the Glory mission before the fairing is moved to the East High Bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The payload fairing will protect the Glory spacecraft from aerodynamic pressures and heating during the first part of its climb into orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1160

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician works with half of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician works with half of the payload fairing to be used in the Glory mission before the fairing is moved to the East High Bay at the Astrotech payload processing faci... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1107

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California prepare for the arrival of the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket. Once at the pad, Stage 0 will be hoisted into its launch position. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1103

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers on Space Launch Complex 5...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California prepare for the arrival of the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With Stage 0 of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL in launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians inch close to the crane that moved it into position in order to unlatch the two pieces of machinery. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1112

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With Stage 0 of the Orbital Scien...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With Stage 0 of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL in launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians inch close to t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Next, Stage 0 will be hoisted into its launch position. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1105

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Next, Stage 0 will be hois... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor, left, of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket is almost ready for its journey from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3, right, will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1101

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor, left, of the O...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor, left, of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket is almost ready for its journey from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Fo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is ready to be moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1108

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is ready to be moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Next, Stage 0 will be hoisted into its launch position. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1169

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Next, Stage 0 will be hois... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1106

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1111

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers adjust the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1172

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers adjust the Stage 0 motor ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers adjust the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As pa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1170

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1173

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the Stage 0 motor of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket is almost ready for its journey from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1100

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket is almost ready for its journey from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Bas... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Next, Stage 0 will be hoisted into its launch position. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1104

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Next, Stage 0 will be hois... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1171

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket makes its journey from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1102

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket makes its journey from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Californi... More

At the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, is being prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex 576-E. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB GLORY

At the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Ba...

At the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory spacecraft will be uncovered and illuminated in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be processed for flight, encapsulated in its protective payload fairing, and then transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E where is will be joined with the third stage of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1175

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory spacecraft will be uncovered and illuminated in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The sp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory spacecraft are illuminated in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be processed for flight, encapsulated in its protective payload fairing, and then transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E where is will be joined with the third stage of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1178

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory spacecraft are illuminated in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be p... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory spacecraft are illuminated in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be processed for flight, encapsulated in its protective payload fairing, and then transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E where is will be joined with the third stage of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1176

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The solar arrays of NASA's Glory spacecraft are illuminated in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be p... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The payload fairing that will surround and protect NASA's Glory spacecraft during its trip to space await processing in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Once encapsulated, Glory will be transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E where is will be joined with the third stage of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1180

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The payload fairing that will sur...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The payload fairing that will surround and protect NASA's Glory spacecraft during its trip to space await processing in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenbe... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unlatch the crane's guide wires from the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, after it was lowered into launch position. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1186

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unlatch the crane's guide wires from the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Tauru... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage is attached to Stage 0 of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison, VAFB KSC-2011-1191

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage is attached to Stage 0 of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, is lifted by crane toward the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison, VAFB KSC-2011-1188

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, is lifted by crane toward the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Roy Allison, VAFB KSC-2011-1189

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, as it is lowered by crane into launch position at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1184

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, is lifted by crane toward the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1183

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Stage 0/1 interstage, part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians configure the equipment for the fueling of the Glory spacecraft, seen in the background wrapped in a protective covering, with its attitude control propellant. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-1219

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Astrotech payload processi...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians configure the equipment for the fueling of the Glory spacecraft, seen i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians configure the equipment for the fueling of the Glory spacecraft, seen in the background wrapped in a protective covering, with its attitude control propellant. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-1218

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Astrotech payload processi...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians configure the equipment for the fueling of the Glory spacecraft, seen i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is moved to a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. In early February, the spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the pad, where it will be attached to the third stage and then stacked atop the remaining stages. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1247

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is moved to a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Co... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stage 1, 2 and 3, is moved into a protective area at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Stage 1-3 will then be joined with Stage 0 and the Stage 0/1 interstage, already secured on the launch pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1207

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stage 1, 2 and 3, is moved into a protective area at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Stage 1-3 will then be joined with Stage 0 and t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket leaves Building 1555 for Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1249

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisti...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket leaves Building 1555 for Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Forc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E from Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1250

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisti...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E from Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E from Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1252

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisti...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Comple... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is on a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. In early February, the spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the pad, where it will be attached to the third stage and then stacked atop the remaining stages. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1248

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is on a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container is imaged here with the bracket interface installed. The bracket is a connection interface between the P-POD and the Taurus rocket. The P-POD will hold three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1347

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container is imaged here with the bracket interface installed. The bracket is a ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container is imaged here with the bracket interface installed. The bracket is a connection interface between the P-POD and the Taurus rocket. The P-POD will hold three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin,VAFB KSC-2011-1348

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container is imaged here with the bracket interface installed. The bracket is a ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician applies a sheet of thermal insulation on a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container. The P-POD will hold three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1346

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician applies a sheet of thermal insulation on a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container. The P-POD will ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician installs a bracket on a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container. The bracket is a connection interface between the P-POD and the Taurus rocket. The P-POD will hold three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1345

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician installs a bracket on a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container. The bracket is a connection interf... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kososka, VAFB KSC-2011-1350

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are moving both halves of the protective fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory spacecraft together. Next, the spacecraft will be transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kososka, VAFB KSC-2011-1358

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are moving both halves of the protective fairing that will encapsula... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of the protective fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory spacecraft has been lifted into position. Next, the spacecraft will be transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kososka, VAFB KSC-2011-1355

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of the protective fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory spacecraft... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spacecraft. Next, the spacecraft will be encapsulated in its protective payload fairing before it is transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kososka, VAFB KSC-2011-1349

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians removed most of the protective covering surrounding NASA's Glory spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians check the placement of the first half of the protective fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory spacecraft as the second half is ready to be moved into position. Next, the spacecraft will be transported to Space Launch Complex 576-E and joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kososka, VAFB KSC-2011-1357

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload proc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians check the placement of the first half of the protective fairing that... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container is imaged here after a sheet of thermal insulation has been applied and the bracket interface installed. The bracket will serve as a connection interface between the P-POD and the Taurus rocket. The P-POD will hold three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1359

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container is imaged here after a sheet of thermal insulation has been applied an... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician wraps the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container in a protective insulation blanket. The P-POD will hold three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1361

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician wraps the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, container in a protective insulation blanket. The P-POD wil... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in its payload fairing, is lowered onto a transporter in the airlock for its move to Space Launch Complex 576-E. There it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The hose connected to the fairing is an environmental purge that keeps the spacecraft dry and temperature controlled. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1367

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Astrotech's payload processing...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in its payload fairing, is lowered on... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the airlock at Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers monitor NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in its payload fairing, as it is being prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex 576-E. There it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The hose connected to the fairing is an environmental purge that keeps the spacecraft dry and temperature controlled. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1363

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the airlock at Astrotech's...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the airlock at Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers monitor NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the airlock at Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in its payload fairing, as it is being lowered toward the transporter for its move to Space Launch Complex 576-E. There it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The hose connected to the fairing is an environmental purge that keeps the spacecraft dry and temperature controlled. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1365

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the airlock at Astrotech's...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the airlock at Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in i... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in its payload fairing, onto a transporter in the airlock for its move to Space Launch Complex 576-E. There it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The hose connected to the fairing is an environmental purge that keeps the spacecraft dry and temperature controlled. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1368

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Astrotech's payload processing...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Astrotech's payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure NASA's Glory spacecraft, now completely enclosed in its payload fairing... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, is secured on a stationary rail where it will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1375

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, is secured on a stationary rail wh... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, is transferred into a temporary processing tent near the pad. There, it will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry E. Clemens Jr., VAFB KSC-2011-1433

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, is transferred into a temporary pr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the sun sets over Space Launch Complex 576-E where technicians continue the process of joining NASA's Glory spacecraft with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, housed inside a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1382

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the sun sets over Space Launch Complex 576-E where technicians continue the process of joining NASA's Glory spacecraft with the... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, to be lifted off of a transport. It will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry E. Clemens Jr., VAFB KSC-2011-1431

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, to be lifted off o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers move NASA's Glory spacecraft, secured on a stationary rail, into a temporary processing tent near the pad where it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1376

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers move NASA's Glory spacecraft, secured on a stationary rail, into a temporary processing ten... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, to be lifted off of a transport. It will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry E. Clemens Jr., VAFB KSC-2011-1429

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, to be lifted off o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane maneuvers NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, onto a stationary rail. There it will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1374

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane maneuvers NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, onto a stationar... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, has arrived at Space Launch Complex 576-E. There it will be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1370

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, has arrived at Space Launch Complex 576-E. There it will be join... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, to be lifted off of a transport. It will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1372

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, to be lifted off o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are preparing to join NASA's Glory spacecraft with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage housed inside a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1379

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are preparing to join NASA's Glory spacecraft with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage housed inside a temporary proce... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, off of a transport. It will then be joined with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, already delivered to a temporary processing tent near the pad. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1373

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts NASA's Glory spacecraft, encapsulated in its protective fairing, off of a transport. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians join NASA's Glory spacecraft with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, housed inside a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1380

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians join NASA's Glory spacecraft with the Taurus XL rocket's third stage, housed inside a temporary processing tent near ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly has been installed to the aft end of the Taurus rocket's third stage using the Anodized gold aluminum bracket interface. The P-POD holds three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1391

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly has been installed to the aft end of th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the engineering team that installed the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly to the Taurus rocket's third stage pose for a photo opportunity. From left to right are Kevin Harrington, Cuong Nguyen, Ryan Nugent, Richard Nielsen and Larry Fineberg. The P-POD holds three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1394

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the engineering team that installed the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician lifts the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly by the Anodized gold aluminum bracket interface. The bracket is the connection point between the P-POD and the aft end of the Taurus rocket's third stage. The P-POD holds three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1387

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician lifts the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly by the Anodized gold... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly has been installed to the aft end of the Taurus rocket's third stage using the Anodized gold aluminum bracket interface. The P-POD holds three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1392

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly has been installed to the aft end of th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly is imaged wrapped in its thermal insulation blanket and sheeting and the attached Anodized gold aluminum bracket interface. The bracket is the connection point between the P-POD and the aft end of the Taurus rocket's third stage. The P-POD holds three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1386

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly is imaged wrapped in its thermal insula... More

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