interstellar boundary explorer mission

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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  Segments of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are moved into Building 1555.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Moran KSC-08pd1674

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Segments of the Pegasus XL launch...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Segments of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are moved into Building 1555. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwaja... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  Segments of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are moved into Building 1555.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Moran KSC-08pd1675

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Segments of the Pegasus XL launch...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Segments of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are moved into Building 1555. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwaja... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  In Building 1555, the wings of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are checked for fit. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1677

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, the wings of th...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, the wings of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are checked for fit. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite f... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  In Building 1555, stage 1 and stage 2 of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are temporarily mated.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Moran KSC-08pd1673

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, stage 1 and sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, stage 1 and stage 2 of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are temporarily mated. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  In Building 1555, the wings of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are checked for fit. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1676

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, the wings of th...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, the wings of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle are checked for fit. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite f... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – In Building 1555, workers check the fit of the wing on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1686

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check the fit of the wing on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satell... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  In Building 1555, workers help guide a wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle for a fit check.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1682

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help g...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help guide a wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle for a fit check. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – In Building 1555, workers help guide a wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle in the background for a fit check.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1683

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help gu...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help guide a wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle in the background for a fit check. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Exp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check equipment on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1681

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check eq...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check equipment on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kw... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – In Building 1555, workers check the movement of the wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1685

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers check the movement of the wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBE... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – In Building 1555, workers help guide a wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle in the background for a fit check.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1684

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help gu...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help guide a wing toward the Pegasus XL launch vehicle in the background for a fit check. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Exp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  In Building 1555, workers help guide the fillet on top of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.   The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1678

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help gu...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help guide the fillet on top of the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, sa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers secure the fillet into place on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1680

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers secure t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers secure the fillet into place on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, sate... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help guide the fillet into place on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle.    The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1679

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help gui...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555, workers help guide the fillet into place on the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB secure the wing into place on the Pegasus rocket.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1870

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB secure the wing into place on the Pegasus rocket. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --   Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help maneuver the wing for installation onto the Pegasus rocket. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1866

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help maneuver the wing for installation onto the Pegasus rocket. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer M... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --   Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help guide the wing toward the Pegasus rocket for installation.   The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1864

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help guide the wing toward the Pegasus rocket for installation. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --    Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help maneuver the wing for installation onto the Pegasus rocket.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1867

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Va...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help maneuver the wing for installation onto the Pegasus rocket. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB maneuver the wing into place on the Pegasus rocket for installation.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1869

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB maneuver the wing into place on the Pegasus rocket for installation. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explor... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --     Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB maneuver the wing into place on the Pegasus rocket for installation. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1868

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at V...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB maneuver the wing into place on the Pegasus rocket for installation. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Expl... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --    Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help guide the wing toward the Pegasus rocket for installation.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1865

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Va...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB help guide the wing toward the Pegasus rocket for installation. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB check the installation of the wing on the Pegasus rocket.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1871

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vand...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB check the installation of the wing on the Pegasus rocket. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission,... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Preparations are underway in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB for installation of the final wing onto the Pegasus rocket.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific.  IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.   IBEX is targeted for launch in September 2008.  Photo credit: NASA/ Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1863

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Preparations are underway in Bui...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Preparations are underway in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB for installation of the final wing onto the Pegasus rocket. The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Bounda... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Avionics shelf flatness and fillet gap measurements are conducted on the wing of a Pegasus rocket in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB.  The testing was performed by workers from Advanced Digital Measuring Works using an API laser tracker.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific. IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere. IBEX is targeted for launch in October 2008. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd2042

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Avionics shelf flatness and fille...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Avionics shelf flatness and fillet gap measurements are conducted on the wing of a Pegasus rocket in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The testing was performed by workers f... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Avionics shelf flatness and fillet gap measurements are conducted on the wing of a Pegasus rocket in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB.  The testing was performed by workers from Advanced Digital Measuring Works using an API laser tracker.  The Pegasus will launch NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer Mission, or IBEX, satellite from Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands, South Pacific. IBEX will make the first map of the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the solar system. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the solar system that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere. IBEX is targeted for launch in October 2008. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd2043

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Avionics shelf flatness and fille...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Avionics shelf flatness and fillet gap measurements are conducted on the wing of a Pegasus rocket in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The testing was performed by workers f... More