irradiance, orbit

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft arrives at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip.  Attached underneath the aircraft is the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle, which will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.         . KSC-02pd1946

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft arriv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft arrives at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip. Attached underneath the aircraft is the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle, which ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip stand next to the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft.  The Pegasus will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.      . KSC-02pd1951

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip stand next to the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The Pegasus will... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle, which will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.      . KSC-02pd1952

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached underneath the Orbital Sciences...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle, which will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip look over the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft.  The Pegasus will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.        . KSC-02pd1948

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip look over the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The Pegasu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip get ready to remove the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft.  The Pegasus will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.       . KSC-02pd1949

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip get ready to remove the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle, which will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.        . KSC-02pd1947

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached underneath the Orbital Sciences...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Attached underneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle, which will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip look over the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft carrying the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle underneath.  The Pegasus will be transported to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for testing and verification.  The Pegasus will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.       . KSC-02pd1950

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip look over the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft carrying the Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle underneath. The Pegasus... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare to remove a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft.  The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2001

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare to remove a Pegasus XL E...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare to remove a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached, arrived... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter is repositioned below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before it is detached from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2010

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter is repositioned below a Pe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter is repositioned below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before it is detached from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle sits atop a transporter following its arrival in the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF).  Next, it will be moved into a highbay where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch. The vehicle, nestled beneath an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17.  It is commissioned to carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit in late January 2003. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2020

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle sits atop a transporter following its arrival in the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF). Next, it will be moved into a highbay where it w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in clean room attire supervise the delivery of a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF).  Next, it will be moved into a highbay where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch. The vehicle, nestled beneath an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17.  It is commissioned to carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit in late January 2003. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with four instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2017

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in clean room attire supervise t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in clean room attire supervise the delivery of a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF). Next, it will be moved into a highbay w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle sits atop a transporter following its arrival in the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch. The vehicle, nestled beneath an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17.  It is commissioned to carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit in late January 2003. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2018

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle sits atop a transporter following its arrival in the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is prepared for its removal from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as onlooking workers await their turns in the process. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is prepared for its removal from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft as onlooking workers await their turns in the process. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers oversee the repositioning of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2009

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers oversee the repositioning of a t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers oversee the repositioning of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers reevaluate the placement of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2011

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers reevaluate the placement of a tr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers reevaluate the placement of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers supervise the placement of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers supervise the placement of a tra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers supervise the placement of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers evaluate the placement of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2008

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers evaluate the placement of a tran...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers evaluate the placement of a transporter below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The ai... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers complete the final steps to detach a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers complete the final steps to deta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers complete the final steps to detach a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle n... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is prepared for towing to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch. The vehicle, nestled beneath an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. It is commissioned to carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit in late January 2003. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2015

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is prepared for towing to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is prepared for towing to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch. The vehicle, nestled beneath an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17.  It is commissioned to carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit in late January 2003. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2016

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is prepared for towing to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is moments away from being removed from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft.  The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003.  It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is moments away from being removed from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle sits atop a transporter following its arrival in the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF).  Next, it will be moved into a highbay where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch. The vehicle, nestled beneath an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17.  It is commissioned to carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit in late January 2003. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2019

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle sits atop a transporter following its arrival in the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF). Next, it will be moved into a highbay where it w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is seen moments after being detached from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft and lowered onto a transporter. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. Next, the vehicle will be towed to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility (MPPF) where it will undergo testing, verification, and three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2014

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is seen moments after being detached from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft and lowered onto a transporter. The aircraft, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers begin the process to remove a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2003

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers begin the process to remove a Pe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers begin the process to remove a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle attached... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter is positioned below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter is positioned below a Pega...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter is positioned below a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle before its detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle for detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a Pegasus XL Expendable ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle for detachment from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled benea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers complete the process to detach a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft and lower it onto a transporter. The aircraft, with the launch vehicle nestled beneath, arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip on Dec. 17. The Pegasus XL will undergo three flight simulations prior to its scheduled launch in late January 2003. It will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft into orbit. Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere with instruments built by the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). KSC-02pd2013

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers complete the process to detach a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers complete the process to detach a Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle from the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft and lower it onto a transporter. The aircraf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is on a workstand in the Multi-Purpose Processing Facility.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.  The launch of SORCE is scheduled for Jan. 25 at 3:14 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. KSC-03pd0021

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is on a workstand in the Multi-Purpose Processing Facility. The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is on a workstand in the Multi-Purpose Processing Facility.  The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) into orbit.  Built by Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, SORCE will study and measure solar irradiance as a source of energy in the Earth's atmosphere.  The launch of SORCE is scheduled for Jan. 25 at 3:14 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. KSC-03pd0022

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus XL Expendable Launch Vehicle is on a workstand in the Multi-Purpose Processing Facility. The Pegasus XL will carry NASA's Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE... 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. --  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. --  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. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unload the cargo carrier that holds one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite. Both halves of the fairing will be installed around the spacecraft to protect it from the weather on the ground as well as from the atmosphere during flight.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4404

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 unload the cargo carrier that holds one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite. Both halves of the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite is surrounded by protective sheathing in VAFB's payload processing facility. Both halves of the fairing will be installed around the spacecraft to protect it from the weather on the ground as well as from the atmosphere during flight.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4408

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite is surrounded by protective sheathing in VAFB's payload processi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers cautiously roll one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite into VAFB's payload processing facility. Both halves of the fairing will be installed around the spacecraft to protect it from the weather on the ground as well as from the atmosphere during flight.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4406

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 cautiously roll one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite into VAFB's payload processing facility.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite is moved into a protected environment of VAFB's payload processing facility. Both halves of the fairing will be installed around the spacecraft to protect it from the weather on the ground as well as from the atmosphere during flight.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4407

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite is moved into a protected environment of VAFB's payload processi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers are preparing to unload one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite. Both halves of the fairing will be installed around the spacecraft to protect it from the weather on the ground as well as from the atmosphere during flight.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4403

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 are preparing to unload one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite. Both halves of the fairing will... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers cautiously roll one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite out of its cargo container. Both halves of the fairing will be installed around the spacecraft to protect it from the weather on the ground as well as from the atmosphere during flight.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4405

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 cautiously roll one half of the fairing that will envelop NASA's Glory satellite out of its cargo container. Both halves ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the payload cone for NASA's Glory mission is pictures secured inside its cargo carrier. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Taurus XL rocket with the spacecraft.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4411

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 payload cone for NASA's Glory mission is pictures secured inside its cargo carrier. The payload cone is an adapter that inter... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker user a Hyster lift moves the payload cone for NASA's Glory mission into VAFB's payload processing facility. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Taurus XL rocket with the spacecraft.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4412

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 worker user a Hyster lift moves the payload cone for NASA's Glory mission into VAFB's payload processing facility. The payload ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers are preparing to unload a payload cone for NASA's Glory mission. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Taurus XL rocket with the spacecraft.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4409

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 are preparing to unload a payload cone for NASA's Glory mission. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Tauru... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers are preparing to unload a payload cone for NASA's Glory mission. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Taurus XL rocket with the spacecraft.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4410

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 are preparing to unload a payload cone for NASA's Glory mission. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Tauru... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the payload cone is lowered onto the floor of VAFB's payload processing facility for NASA's Glory mission. The payload cone is an adapter that interfaces the Taurus XL rocket with the spacecraft.            A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Nov. 22. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4413

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 payload cone is lowered onto the floor of VAFB's payload processing facility for NASA's Glory mission. The payload cone is an... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's 1, 2 and 3 stages are prepared for their first flight simulation, which will include testing voltages, currents, pressures, temperatures and thruster firings. The four-stage rocket is being prepared to carry NASA's Glory satellite into low Earth orbit and will lift off from Vandenberg's Launch Pad SLC 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4630

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's 1, 2 and 3 stages are prepared for their first flight simulation, which will include testing voltages, curr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is offloaded and moved toward Building 1555. There, the black protective covering will be removed so that the fairing half can be thoroughly cleaned before it is installed around the spacecraft. The four-stage rocket and satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5263

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is offloaded a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is offloaded and moved toward Building 1555. There, the black protective covering will be removed so that the fairing half can be thoroughly cleaned before it is installed around the spacecraft. The four-stage rocket and satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5262

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is offloaded a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is offloaded and moved toward Building 1555. There, the black protective covering will be removed so that the fairing half can be thoroughly cleaned before it is installed around the spacecraft. The four-stage rocket and satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5264

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is offloaded a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician performs a wide-band instrumentation system test on half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket. The black protective covering will be removed so that the fairing half can be thoroughly cleaned before it is installed around the spacecraft. The four-stage rocket and satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-4696

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician performs a wide-band instrumentation system test on half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is moved into Building 1555. There, the black protective covering will be removed so that the fairing half can be thoroughly cleaned before it is installed around the spacecraft. The four-stage rocket and satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5265

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing that will encapsulate NASA's Glory satellite during launch aboard a Taurus XL rocket is moved into ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first, second and third stages of the Taurus XL rocket come together in the east high bay of Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket and NASA's Glory satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5304

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first, second and third stages...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first, second and third stages of the Taurus XL rocket come together in the east high bay of Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket and NASA... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The stage 0 motor, left, and the interstage associated with Stage 1 of the Taurus XL rocket are ready for more processing in the west high bay of Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the east high bay, right, are the first, second and third stages. The rocket and NASA's Glory satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5303

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The stage 0 motor, left, and the i...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The stage 0 motor, left, and the interstage associated with Stage 1 of the Taurus XL rocket are ready for more processing in the west high bay of Building 1555 at Vandenberg ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first, second and third stages of the Taurus XL rocket come together in the east high bay of Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the west high bay, left, is the stage 0 motor. The rocket and NASA's Glory satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5302

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first, second and third stages...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first, second and third stages of the Taurus XL rocket come together in the east high bay of Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the west high ba... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician installs the aft-end blankets on the avionics assembly of a four-stage Taurus XL rocket. The rocket and NASA's Glory satellite are being prepared for a launch to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg's 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5289

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, a technician installs the aft-end blankets on the avionics assembly of a four-stage Taurus XL rocket. The rocket ... 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. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences technicians continue to work on cabling on the aft end of the Taurus XL rocket's first stage motor. To the left is the interstage associated with the first stage.        The Orbital Sciences 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 orbit. Once in orbit, Glory 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5730

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences technicians continue to work on cabling on the aft end of the Taurus XL r... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first, second and third stages of the Taurus XL rocket are cabled up for a flight simulation. In front is the interstage associated with the first stage.      The Orbital Sciences 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 orbit. Once in orbit, Glory 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5731

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first, second and third stages of the Taurus XL rocket are cabled up for a flight simu... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences technicians continue to work on cabling on the aft end of the Taurus XL rocket's first stage motor. To the left is the interstage associated with the first stage.      The Orbital Sciences 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 orbit. Once in orbit, Glory 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2010-5729

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences technicians continue to work on cabling on the aft end of the Taurus XL r... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the third stage of the Taurus XL rocket joins the first and second stage on an Assembly Integration Trailer in preparation for moving to Pad 576-E on north Vandenberg later this month.      The Orbital Sciences 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 orbit. 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 KSC-2011-1038

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the third stage of the Taurus XL rocket joins the first and second stage on an Assembly In... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians monitor the loading of the Taurus XL rocket components onto an Assembly Integration Trailer in preparation for moving to Pad 576-E on north Vandenberg later this month.    The Orbital Sciences 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 orbit. 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 KSC-2011-1040

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians monitor the loading of the Taurus XL rocket components onto an Assembly Integr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, is moved into the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. An Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket is targeted to launch Glory into low Earth orbit Feb. 23 from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E.         Once in orbit, Glory 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. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1069

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satelli...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, is moved into the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. An O... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, is inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. An Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket is targeted to launch Glory into low Earth orbit Feb. 23 from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E.       Once in orbit, Glory 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. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1071

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satelli...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, is inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. An Orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, is inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. An Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket is targeted to launch Glory into low Earth orbit Feb. 23 from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E.       Once in orbit, Glory 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. Photo credit: NASA/Ed Henry, VAFB KSC-2011-1070

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satelli...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest Earth-observing satellite developed by NASA, called Glory, is inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. An Orbit... 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, 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 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 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. -- Workers move one half of the fairing, wrapped in  plastic protective covering, into a cargo container for transport from  the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility.    Once both halves of the fairing are delivered to Astrotech they will be installed around NASA's Glory satellite to protect it from the weather at the launch pad as well as from the atmosphere during flight. A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Feb. 23 from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1081

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move one half of the fair...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move one half of the fairing, wrapped in plastic protective covering, into a cargo container for transport from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenb... 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. -- At the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the cargo container housing one half of the fairing onto a trailer for transport to the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility.  Once both halves of the fairing are delivered to Astrotech they will be installed around NASA's Glory satellite to protect it from the weather at the launch pad as well as from the atmosphere during flight. A four-stage 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 2:09 a.m. PST Feb. 23 from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1083

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences Corp. Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the cargo container housing one half of the fairing onto a trailer for ... 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, 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. -- 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 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 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

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