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621 media by topic ∙ page 1 of 7
OCO-2 Tower Roll Prior to Fairing Hoist

OCO-2 Tower Roll Prior to Fairing Hoist

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower is rolled away from the Delta II launcher at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in preparation for hoisting the fairin... More

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A technician working inside the Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, completes final tasks in preparation for its move from t... More

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane is employed to lift half of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, into a vertical position at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg A... More

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers maneuver half of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, newly arrived at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif... More

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, secured in a transportation hardware cradle, is towed to the Horizontal Processing F... More

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is positioned inside the Horizontal Processing Facility at Space Launch Complex 2 on... More

OCO-2 Fairing Bi-Sector Halves Transport

OCO-2 Fairing Bi-Sector Halves Transport

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Both halves of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, are delivered to Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Ope... More

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, arrives at the Horizontal Processing Facility at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenber... More

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, rests on a transportation cradle in the Horizontal Integration Facility at Space Lau... More

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Both halves of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, have arrived in the environmental enclosure, or clean room, at the top of the Delta II ... More

OCO-2 Fairings being hoisted into MST

OCO-2 Fairings being hoisted into MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers attach half of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to a crane at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California... More

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, and its transportation hardware cradle roll into the Horizontal Processing Facility ... More

OCO-2 Fairings being hoisted into MST

OCO-2 Fairings being hoisted into MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Half of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is towed from the Building 836 hangar to Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base i... More

OCO-2 - Delta II Install 2nd Stage Nozzle

OCO-2 - Delta II Install 2nd Stage Nozzle

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Horizontal Processing Facility at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the engine bell is installed around the second-stage nozzle of the... More

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker in the Horizontal Integration Facility inspects the Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, before its move to Space La... More

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 1st Stage Booster Preps. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A tethered worker in the Horizontal Integration Facility prepares the Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, for its move to Sp... More

OCO-2 Tower Roll Prior to Fairing Hoist

OCO-2 Tower Roll Prior to Fairing Hoist

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to hoist the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, seen in... More

OCO-2 Tower Roll Prior to Fairing Hoist

OCO-2 Tower Roll Prior to Fairing Hoist

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers roll the mobile service tower away from the Delta II launcher behind them at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in preparation for hois... More

OCO-2 Fairings being hoisted into MST

OCO-2 Fairings being hoisted into MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Half of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is lifted up the side of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air ... More

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

OCO-2: Hoisting the Fairing Halves up the MST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers transfer half of the fairing for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, into the environmental enclosure, or clean room, at the top of the Delta II l... More

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

OCO-2 Booster Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker surveys the Delta first-stage booster for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, secured in a transportation hardware cradle, that he delivered to t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved into Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1883

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved into Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 20... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, workers secure the strapping holding the third stage of the Taurus rocket on the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1874

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, workers secure the strapping holding the third stage of the Taurus rocket on the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus w... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, the third and second stages of the Taurus rocket rest on the stationary rails. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1880

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at V...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, the third and second stages of the Taurus rocket rest on the stationary rails. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1884

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is moved out of the transportation trailer onto the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1881

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is moved out of the transportation trailer onto the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiti... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, the third stage of the Taurus rocket is moved onto the stationary rails. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1878

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at V...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, the third stage of the Taurus rocket is moved onto the stationary rails. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1885

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1886

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Ob... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the third stage of the Taurus rocket is moved into Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1873

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the third sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the third stage of the Taurus rocket is moved into Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, workers stabilize the third stage of the Taurus rocket on the assembly integration trailer. The segment will be moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1875

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, workers stabi...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, workers stabilize the third stage of the Taurus rocket on the assembly integration trailer. The segment will be moved onto the stationary rails in Build... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the second stage of the Taurus rocket moves behind the third stage in front of the Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1877

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the second st...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the second stage of the Taurus rocket moves behind the third stage in front of the Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon O... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the second stage of the Taurus rocket is moved out of the transportation trailer onto the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1876

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the second st...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the second stage of the Taurus rocket is moved out of the transportation trailer onto the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1887

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is being moved onto the stationary rails in Building 1555's west bay. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Ob... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the third stage of the Taurus rocket is offloaded from the truck onto an assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1872

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the third sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the third stage of the Taurus rocket is offloaded from the truck onto an assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, the second stage of the Taurus rocket is moved onto the stationary rails. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1879

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at V...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Building 1555's west bay at Vandenberg AFB, the second stage of the Taurus rocket is moved onto the stationary rails. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is moved out of the transportation trailer onto the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd1882

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first sta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg AFB, the first stage of the Taurus rocket is moved out of the transportation trailer onto the assembly integration trailer. The Taurus will launch the Orbitin... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for Stage 3 of a Taurus rocket is weighed by Orbital Sciences workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in January 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. OCO will provide space-based observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal human-initiated driver of climate change. Mature technologies will be used to address NASA's highest priority carbon cycle measurement requirement. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the OCO effort. Orbital Sciences Corporation is providing the Taurus launch vehicle; Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems, the OCO spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd2046

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for Stage 3 of a Taurus rocket is weighed by Orbital Sciences workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Ca... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for Stage 3 of a Taurus rocket is weighed by Orbital Sciences workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in January 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. OCO will provide space-based observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal human-initiated driver of climate change. Mature technologies will be used to address NASA's highest priority carbon cycle measurement requirement. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the OCO effort. Orbital Sciences Corporation is providing the Taurus launch vehicle; Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems, the OCO spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd2045

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for Stage 3 of a Taurus rocket is weighed by Orbital Sciences workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Ca... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for Stage 3 of a Taurus rocket is weighed by Orbital Sciences workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, in January 2009. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. OCO will provide space-based observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal human-initiated driver of climate change. Mature technologies will be used to address NASA's highest priority carbon cycle measurement requirement. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the OCO effort. Orbital Sciences Corporation is providing the Taurus launch vehicle; Hamilton Sundstrand Sensor Systems, the OCO spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-08pd2044

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Alliant motor designated for Stage 3 of a Taurus rocket is weighed by Orbital Sciences workers in Building 1555 at Vandenberg AFB. The Taurus will launch the Orbiting Ca... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3533

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Stage 0 motor for the Taurus X...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Ta... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3543

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is m...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After its arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3542

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After its arrival at Vandenberg ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After its arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker secures a crane on the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor. The motor will be lifted onto a flatbed truck and transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3538

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker secures a crane on the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor. The motor will be lifted onto a flatbed truck and transported to Orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts off the protective shipping cover. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3534

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts off the protective shipping cover. The motor wi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3544

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is mo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor is moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts off the protective cage. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3535

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts off the protective cage. The motor will be tran... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor to move it to a flatbed truck. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3541

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor to move it to a flatbed truck. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hang... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker secures a crane on the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor. The motor will be lifted onto a flatbed truck and transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3537

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker secures a crane on the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor. The motor will be lifted onto a flatbed truck and transported to Orbit... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor to move it to a flatbed truck. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3539

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor to move it to a flatbed truck. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hang... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts off the protective cage. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3536

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 moto...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After arrival of the Stage 0 motor for the Taurus XL launch vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts off the protective cage. The motor will be tra... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor has been moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3545

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor has be...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor has been moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor to move it to a flatbed truck. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3540

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the Taurus XL Stage 0 motor to move it to a flatbed truck. The motor will be transported to Orbital Sciences' Hang... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor has been moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft targeted for Jan. 15. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3546

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor has be...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Taurus XL Stage 0 motor has been moved into Orbital Sciences' Hangar 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus XL will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, ssembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. Lined up left to right are the Stage 1 and Stage 2 motors, the boattail, the avionics shelf and the Stage 3 motor. The graphite/epoxy boattail structure provides the transition from the smaller diameter of the Stage 2 motor to the larger diameter of the avionics skirt. The avionics skirt, also a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, ssembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. Lin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers do a fit check on the mating of the Stage 1 to Stage 2 motors for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. At right can be seen the avionics shelf. The avionics skirt, a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3868

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers do a fit check on the mating of the Stage 1 to Stage 2 motors for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, assembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. In the foreground at left is the boattail; behind it is the Stage 0 Castor 120 motor. At right near the wall (from left) are the Stage 1 and Stage 2 motors, the avionics shelf and the Stage 3 motor. The graphite/epoxy boattail structure provides the transition from the smaller diameter of the Stage 2 motor to the larger diameter of the avionics skirt. The avionics skirt, also a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3867

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, assembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. In ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the shipping container cover over the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, delivered from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3842

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the shipping container cover over the Orbiting Ca... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Trucks roll onto Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to deliver the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, builder of the spacecraft. The observatory will be taken to Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3837

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Trucks roll onto Vandenberg Air F...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Trucks roll onto Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to deliver the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., b... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, has been moved inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3840

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, has been moved inside the Astrotech payload proc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers get ready to attach a crane to the shipping container cover over the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, delivered from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3841

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers get ready to attach a crane to the shipping container co... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3838

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, arrives at the Astrotech payload processing faci... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, is moved into the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3839

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, is moved into the Astrotech payload processing f... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers apply blankets and edge tape to the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3846

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers apply blankets and edge tape to the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3848

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after bla... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers check the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3845

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers check the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. After t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3847

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blan... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3843

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3844

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

OCO-2 in Space, JPL/NASA images

OCO-2 in Space, JPL/NASA images

Artist rendering of NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory OCO-2, one of five new NASA Earth science missions set to launch in 2014, and one of three managed by JPL. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1150

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processi...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with ... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1149

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processin...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with h... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1152

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processi...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or ... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1151

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processi...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The avionics are mated to stage 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1498

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The avionics are mated to stage ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The avionics are mated to stage 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is a new Earth-or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO. OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1547

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO. OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1549

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO, a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1552

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO. OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1550

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO. OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1548

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Van...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Stages 1 and 2 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle are being integrated for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO, a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1551

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. It is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1504

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane raises Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. It is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1501

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane raises Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. It is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1503

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory arrives at complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be mated with stages 1, 2 and 3 for the launch of OCO. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. It is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1500

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory arrives at complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be mated with stage... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. It is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1502

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg A...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory from its transporter.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory arrives at complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be mated with stages 1, 2 and 3 for the launch of OCO. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. It is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1499

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory arrives at complex 576E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be mated with stage... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, which is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is scheduled to launch Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1559

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, which is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is scheduled to launch Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1558

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, which is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is scheduled to launch Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1560

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1557

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tap... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are transported from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1654

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scie...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are transported from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 57... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are parked under a tent at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1656

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scie...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are parked under a tent at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vand... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1554

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, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed. The OCO is a new Earth-or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, have arrived and are prepared for erection at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1658

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scien...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, have arrived and are prepared for erection at Space Launch Com... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1555

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tap... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, arrive at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1655

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scie...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, arrive at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to erect Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1657

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to erect Stages 1,...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to erect Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vand... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1553

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, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed. The OCO is a new Earth-or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, have arrived and are prepared for lifting onto Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1659

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scien...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, have arrived and are prepared for lifting onto Space Launch Co... More

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