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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is moved into a NASA payload processing facility to be prepared for a Feb. 4 launch. NOAA-N Prime, built by Lockheed Martin, is similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. KSC-2009-1369

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting opera...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is mo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, arrived by C-5A military cargo aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in preparation for a Feb. 4 launch. NOAA-N Prime, built by Lockheed Martin, is similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. KSC-2009-1365

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operati...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, arrived... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is offloaded from the trailer at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The spacecraft will be moved into a NASA payload processing facility and prepared for a Feb. 4 launch. NOAA-N Prime, built by Lockheed Martin, is similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. KSC-2009-1368

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operat...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is off... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arrives at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3500

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arriv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arrives at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Sys... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3503

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spac...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is being offloaded from the C-5A military cargo aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in preparation for a Feb. 4 launch. NOAA-N Prime, built by Lockheed Martin, is similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. KSC-2009-1366

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operat...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is bei... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3499

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is off...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from the transporter at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3501

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from the transporter at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by L... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is offloaded from the C-5A military cargo aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in preparation for a Feb. 4 launch. NOAA-N Prime, built by Lockheed Martin, is similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. KSC-2009-1367

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operat...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called NOAA-N Prime, is off... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is positioned for movement into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3502

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is pos...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is positioned for movement into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockhee... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3498

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is off...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the shipping container for NOAA-N Prime is lifted. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA-N Prime is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1371

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing faci...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the shipping container for NOAA-N Prime is lifted. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiti... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NOAA-N Prime, the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is revealed after removal of the shipping container. NOAA-N Prime is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1372

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing fac...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NOAA-N Prime, the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite develo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers get ready to remove the shipping container from NOAA-N Prime, the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA-N Prime is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1370

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing faci...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers get ready to remove the shipping container from NOAA-N Prime, the latest polar-orbi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite has been rotated to a vertical position. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA-N Prime is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1374

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite has been rotated to a vertical position. NOAA-N Prime is the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane moves the NOAA-N Prime satellite to a stand. NOAA-N Prime is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1375

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane moves the NOAA-N Prime satellite to a stand. NOAA-N Prime is built by ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite is rotated toward a vertical position. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA-N Prime is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1373

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite is rotated toward a vertical position. NOAA-N Prime is the la... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite is bagged before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1378

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite is bagged before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1377

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before moving it. NOAA... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1376

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before movi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime satellite is displayed in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1379

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime satellite is d...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime satellite is displayed in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operationa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1382

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operatio... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1381

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operatio... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1380

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operatio... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1388

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operatio... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, another solid rocket booster is raised to vertical for installation on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1387

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Va...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, another solid rocket booster is raised to vertical for installation on the Delta II rocket for the NO... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1386

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another solid rocket booster arri...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is lifted alongside the Delta II rocket for installation. The booster is being prepared for the launch of the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1385

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Va...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is lifted alongside the Delta II rocket for installation. The booster is bein... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is raised to vertical. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1384

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Va...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is raised to vertical. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1383

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket booster arrives o...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1483

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite undergoes solar array illumination. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1482

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite undergoes solar array illumination. NOAA-N Prime is the late... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers complete the solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1485

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers complete the solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Pri... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1484

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting underneath the spacecraft. The DMA is needed to install the payload canister around the spacecraft for the journey to the launch pad. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB KSC-2009-1486

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting underneath the spacecraft. The DMA is needed to install the payload canister around the spacecraft for the journey to the launch pad. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB KSC-2009-1487

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fittin... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is waiting for a transportation canister to be placed around it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1452

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is waiting for a transportation canister to be placed around it. NOAA-N Prime is the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place another lower segment of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1454

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place another lower segment of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two rows of the transportation canister are installed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1457

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two rows of the transportation canister are installed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the lat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a second-row segment of a transportation canister is put in place for installation around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1456

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a second-row segment of a transportation canister is put in place for installation around the NOAA-N Prime spacecr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide an upper segment of the transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1458

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide an upper segment of the transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers help guide a second-row segment of a transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft for installation. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1455

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers help guide a second-row segment of a transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft for instal... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a transportation canister is being placed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1451

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a transportation canister is being placed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is encased inside a transportation canister. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1459

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is encased inside a transportation canister. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place the first of the lower segments of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1453

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place the first of the lower segments of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. N... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lifted off its stand. It will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1449

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lifted off its stand. It will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers begin attaching a protective cover over the transportation cover of the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. The spacecraft will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1448

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers begin attaching a protective cover over the transportation cover of the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. The space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lowered onto a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1450

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lowered onto a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting oper... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A transportation canister surrounds the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1447

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A transportation canister surrou...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A transportation canister surrounds the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be moved to a transporter. NO... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container will be lifted into the mobile service tower for encapsulation and installation on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1488

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container will be lifted ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1490

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is lifted to the top of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1492

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is li...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is lifted to the top of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satelli... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1491

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is prepared for its lift into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1489

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, encl...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is prepared for its lift into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is set up for an RF and other tests. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1460

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 2 at V...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is set up for an RF and other tests. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is closed out for encapsulation and installation on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard the Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1494

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the mobile service tower on S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is closed out for encapsulation and installati... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N that was launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime aboard a Delta II rocket is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1410

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N that was launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime aboard a Delta II rocket is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1411

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The second half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard the Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1496

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The second half of the fairing i...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The second half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The two halves of the fairing are closed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard the Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1497

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The two halves of the fairing a...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The two halves of the fairing are closed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Californi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N that was launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime aboard a Delta II rocket is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2009-1409

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower moves away from the Delta II rocket with NASA's NOAA-N Prime satellite aboard on the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch of the NOAA-N Prime weather satellite was scrubbed at 5 a.m. EST Feb. 3 when a launch pad gaseous nitrogen pressurization system failed. This system maintains pressurization and purges to various systems of the Delta II rocket prior to launch. Immediate repair to this system was being taken. The next launch attempt will be no earlier than 5:22 a.m. EST Feb. 5, weather permitting. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Photo credit: NASA/Carleton Bailie, VAFB-ULA KSC-2009-1473

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower moves aw...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower moves away from the Delta II rocket with NASA's NOAA-N Prime satellite aboard on the Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Californ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying NASA's NOAA-N Prime satellite lifts off Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 2:22 a.m. PST Feb. 6, 2009. The countdown and launch were managed by Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Services Program. Built for NASA by Lockheed Martin, the satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor the world for environmental events, as well as for distress signals for the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System. NOAA-N Prime is the fifth and last in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s current series of five polar-orbiting satellites with improved imaging and sounding capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Carleton Bailie, VAFB-ULA KSC-2009-1623

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying NASA's NOAA-N Prime satellite lifts off Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 2:22 a.m. PS... More