rocket

nasa

kennedy space center

cape canaveral

atlas

station

air force

cape canaveral air force station

centaur, rocket

403 media by topic ∙ page 1 of 5
Centaur Engine Display Installation, NASA Glenn Research Center

Centaur Engine Display Installation, NASA Glenn Research Center

The 6,600 pound Centaur test article is a rare artifact recently transported from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama. Centaur, developed at NASA Glenn Research Center in the late 1950s, was the world'... More

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) prepare the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) above them for electrical testing. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0713

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-...

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) prepare the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) above them for electrical testing. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a Lockheed Martin Atlas Centaur IIA (AC-144) rocket is lifted up the launch tower. The rocket will be used in the launch of TDRS-J, scheduled for Nov. 20. The third in a series of telemetry satellites, TDRS-J will help replenish the current constellation of geosynchronous TDRS satellites. The TDRS System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-Earth orbit such as the Hubble Space Telescope. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until about 2017. KSC-02pd1525

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a Lockheed Martin Atlas Centaur IIA (AC-144) rocket is lifted up the launch tower. The rocket will be used in the launch o... More

The logo for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is predominantly displayed on the fairing that will encapsulate the satellite for launch. The fairing is in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) where TDRS is undergoing testing. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0714

The logo for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is predomi...

The logo for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is predominantly displayed on the fairing that will encapsulate the satellite for launch. The fairing is in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulatio... More

Leaving billowing clouds of steam and smoke behind, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) shoots into the blue sky aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket from Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 8:56 a.m. EDT. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0827

Leaving billowing clouds of steam and smoke behind, NASA’s Tracking an...

Leaving billowing clouds of steam and smoke behind, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) shoots into the blue sky aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket from Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. ... More

In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) at right sits while one-half of the fairing (left) is moved closer to it. After encapsulation in the fairing, TDRS will be transported to Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for launch scheduled June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0749

In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility, the Tracking an...

In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) at right sits while one-half of the fairing (left) is moved closer to it. After encapsulation in the fairing... More

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lines help guide the ascent of a Centaur rocket up the launch tower where it will be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0704

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lines help guide ...

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lines help guide the ascent of a Centaur rocket up the launch tower where it will be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lo... More

The crated Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is pulled inside the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) after its arrival at KSC. The TDRS will undergo testing in the SAEF-2. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket KSC-00pp0711

The crated Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is pulled inside...

The crated Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is pulled inside the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) after its arrival at KSC. The TDRS will undergo testing in the SAEF-2. One of t... More

Centaur Rocket Engine, NASA Glenn Research Center

Centaur Rocket Engine, NASA Glenn Research Center

The Centaur upper stage rocket being developed in the 1960s at the Propulsion Systems Laboratory at Lewis Research Center, now John H. Glenn Research Center. The Centaur was an ambitious rocket using liquid oxy... More

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits bathed in spotlights before liftoff atop an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0822

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canavera...

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits bathed in spotlights before liftoff atop an Atlas IIA/Centaur ro... More

Vent Flowing Cold Gas and T/C Rake

Vent Flowing Cold Gas and T/C Rake

(September 6, 1963) Vent flowing cryogenic fuel and T/C Rake mounted on a 1/10 scale model Centaur in the l0 x l0 Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. The fuel being used is liquid hydrogen. The point of the test is to... More

Dome Added to the Space Power Chambers for the Centaur Rocket

Dome Added to the Space Power Chambers for the Centaur Rocket

This 22.5-foot-diameter domed lid was added to the Space Power Chambers to allow the vertical installation of a Centaur second-stage rocket into the vacuum tank at the National Aeronautics and Space Administrat... More

Centaur Rocket Lowered into Vacuum Tank

Centaur Rocket Lowered into Vacuum Tank

A Centaur second-stage rocket is lowered into the vacuum tank inside the Space Power Chambers at NASA’s Lewis Research Center. Centaur was to be paired with an Atlas booster to send the Surveyor spacecraft to t... More

Shroud for the Surveyor Spacecraft in the Space Power Chambers

Shroud for the Surveyor Spacecraft in the Space Power Chambers

Researchers prepare a Centaur-Surveyor nose cone shroud for a separation test in the Space Power Chambers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. Lewis was in the mids... More

Centaur 6A Rocket in the Space Power Chambers Shop Area

Centaur 6A Rocket in the Space Power Chambers Shop Area

A researcher prepares a Centaur 6A second-stage rocket for a series of tests in the Space Power Chambers’ vacuum tank at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. Lewis was... More

Centaur Rocket in Space Propulsion Research Facility (B-2)

Centaur Rocket in Space Propulsion Research Facility (B-2)

A Centaur second-stage rocket in the Space Propulsion Research Facility, better known as B‒2, operating at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio. Centaur was designed to be used with an Atlas booster to s... More

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) conduct electrical testing on the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) above them. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0715

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-...

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) conduct electrical testing on the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) above them. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS ... More

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the crated Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is placed onto a transporter for its move to the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) for testing. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket KSC-00pp0708

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the crated Tracking and Data Relay Sa...

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the crated Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is placed onto a transporter for its move to the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) for testing. The T... More

Titan III-C Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

Titan III-C Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

(September 4, 1970) This photograph shows a Titan III-C launch vehicle. Titan vehicles were designed to carry payloads equal to the size and weight of those on the space shuttle. The Titan IV Centaur could put ... More

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- In the AO Building at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station in Florida, the Pioneer G spacecraft awaits the installation of its protective payload fairing. The interplanetary space probe is scheduled for launch atop an Atlas Centaur rocket from Cape Kennedy April 5, 1973. Pioneer G's nearly two-year mission will take it on an investigation of the asteroid belt, then on to Jupiter, largest planet in our solar system. NASA's launch teams from the Kennedy Space Center will direct final testing and the launch itself. The mission is a project of the Ames Research Center. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-73P-0116

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- In the AO Building at Cape Kennedy Air Force Sta...

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- In the AO Building at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station in Florida, the Pioneer G spacecraft awaits the installation of its protective payload fairing. The interplanetary space probe is sched... More

First Titan-Centaur Launch Test

First Titan-Centaur Launch Test

(February 11, 1974) The first Titan/Centaur lifted off from Complex 41 at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station at 9:48 AM EDT. The Titan stages burned as programmed, but when the Centaur stage failed to ignite, the R... More

Viking Pre-Launch Test Flight. NASA public domain image colelction.

Viking Pre-Launch Test Flight. NASA public domain image colelction.

(January 20, 1974) The Titan booster is a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket, with two additional large, solid-propellant rockets attached. It is a member of the Titan family that was used in NASA's Gemini program.... More

The Pioneer Venus-A aboard an Atlas Centaur 50 rocket lifts off

The Pioneer Venus-A aboard an Atlas Centaur 50 rocket lifts off

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Patrick Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Pu... More

Launch Vehicle Directorate and Centaur Rocket Model

Launch Vehicle Directorate and Centaur Rocket Model

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center’s Launch Vehicle Directorate in front of a full-scale model of the Centaur second-stage rocket. The photograph was taken to mark Ce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the dust settles at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the ruins of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B are visible. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1523

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the dust settles at Space Launch ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the dust settles at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the ruins of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B are visible. The tower is on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1527

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This panoramic view of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shows the two mobile service towers on the ground after their demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1528

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This panoramic view of Space Launch Com...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This panoramic view of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shows the two mobile service towers on the ground after their demolition. The old towers are bei... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1526

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station kicks up a wall of dust. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1522

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The destruction of the 209-foot-tall mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station kicks up a wall of dust. The tower is one of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B has been identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1520

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Cana...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B has been identified for demolition. The old towers are being to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B crashes to the ground. It is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1521

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Cana...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B crashes to the ground. It is one of two that were identified fo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station careens to the left after 122 pounds of explosives eliminated the base. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1525

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 209-foot-tall mobile service tower...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station careens to the left after 122 pounds of explosives eliminated th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within sight of the KSC Vehicle Assembly Building (at left on the horizon), the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station waits for its demise. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1524

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within sight of the KSC Vehicle Assembl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within sight of the KSC Vehicle Assembly Building (at left on the horizon), the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air For... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the INTELSAT V spacecraft is enclosed in a protective shroud for transport from Hangar AO to the Explosive Safe Facility for final servicing and encapsulation. This is the first of a new series of INTELSAT spacecraft. The INTELSAT V is the largest and highest-capacity commercial communications satellite built to date. The 4,300-pound spacecraft is scheduled for launch on an Atlas Centaur rocket from Complex 36 no earlier than December 4. It will operate in geosynchronous orbit over the Atlantic Ocean. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-80P-0323

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the INTELSAT V spacecraft is enclosed in a protective shroud for transport from Hangar AO to the Explosive Safe Facility for final servici... More

The Atlas 1 rocket which will launch the GOES-K advanced weather satellite is unloaded from an Air Force C-5 air cargo plane after arrival at the Skid Strip, Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS). The Lockheed Martin-built rocket and its Centaur upper stage will form the AC-79 vehicle, the final vehicle in the Atlas 1 series which began launches for NASA in 1962. Future launches of geostationary operational environmental satellites (GOES) in the current series will be on Atlas II vehicles. GOES-K will be the third spacecraft to be launched in the new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites built for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The spacecraft will be designated GOES-10 in orbit. The launch of AC-79/GOES-K is targeted for April 24 from Launch Pad 36B, CCAS KSC-97pc356

The Atlas 1 rocket which will launch the GOES-K advanced weather satel...

The Atlas 1 rocket which will launch the GOES-K advanced weather satellite is unloaded from an Air Force C-5 air cargo plane after arrival at the Skid Strip, Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS). The Lockheed Mart... More

The Atlas 1 rocket which will carry the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-K (GOES-K) into space is erected at Launch Complex 36, Pad B, Cape Canaveral Air Station. The Lockheed Martin-built rocket and its Centaur upper stage will form the AC-79 vehicle, the final vehicle in the Atlas 1 series which began launches for NASA in 1962. GOES-K will be the third spacecraft to be launched in the advanced series of geostationary weather satellites built for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The spacecraft will be designated GOES-10 in orbit. Launch is targeted for April 24 KSC-97pc475

The Atlas 1 rocket which will carry the Geostationary Operational Envi...

The Atlas 1 rocket which will carry the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-K (GOES-K) into space is erected at Launch Complex 36, Pad B, Cape Canaveral Air Station. The Lockheed Martin-built rock... More

The Lockheed Martin Atlas 1 expendable launch vehicle (AC-79) which will carry the GOES-K advanced weather satellite undergoes a critical prelaunch test with its mobile service tower pulled back. The Wet Dress Rehearsal is a major prelaunch test designed to demonstrate, in part, the launch readiness of the vehicle and launch support equipment. AC-79 will be the final launch of an Atlas 1 rocket, a derivative of the original Atlas Centaur which had its first successful launch for NASA in 1963. Future launches of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) in the current series will be on Atlas II vehicles. The GOES satellites are owned and operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); NASA manages the design, development and launch of the spacecraft. The launch of AC-79 with the GOES-K is targeted for /1997/63-97.htm">April 24</a> during a launch window which extends from 1:50-3:09 a.m. EDT KSC-97pc632

The Lockheed Martin Atlas 1 expendable launch vehicle (AC-79) which wi...

The Lockheed Martin Atlas 1 expendable launch vehicle (AC-79) which will carry the GOES-K advanced weather satellite undergoes a critical prelaunch test with its mobile service tower pulled back. The Wet Dress ... More

The Lockheed Martin Atlas 1 expendable launch vehicle (AC-79) which will carry the GOES-K advanced weather satellite undergoes a critical prelaunch test with its mobile service tower pulled back. The Wet Dress Rehearsal is a major prelaunch test designed to demonstrate, in part, the launch readiness of the vehicle and launch support equipment. AC-79 will be the final launch of an Atlas 1 rocket, a derivative of the original Atlas Centaur which had its first successful launch for NASA in 1963. Future launches of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) in the current series will be on Atlas II vehicles. The GOES satellites are owned and operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); NASA manages the design, development and launch of the spacecraft. The launch of AC-79 with the GOES-K is targeted for /1997/63-97.htm">April 24</a> during a launch window which extends from 1:50-3:09 a.m. EDT KSC-97pc633

The Lockheed Martin Atlas 1 expendable launch vehicle (AC-79) which wi...

The Lockheed Martin Atlas 1 expendable launch vehicle (AC-79) which will carry the GOES-K advanced weather satellite undergoes a critical prelaunch test with its mobile service tower pulled back. The Wet Dress ... More

Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers in the Vertical Integration Building prepare to hoist the second stage of a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle into a vertical position where it can lifted and mated to the first stage of the rocket. The Titan IVB rocket is the newest version of America's most powerful unmanned rocket. This rocket will be used for the Cassini mission to Saturn. The Cassini launch is targeted for October 6 from Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Air Station KSC-97pc661

Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers in the Vertical Integration ...

Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers in the Vertical Integration Building prepare to hoist the second stage of a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle into a vertical position where it can lifted and ... More

The second stage of a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle is suspended in the Vertical Integration Building before being moved into position for mating to the first stage. The Titan IVB rocket is the newest version of America's most powerful unmanned rocket. This rocket will be used for the Cassini mission to Saturn. The Cassini launch is targeted for October 6 from Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Air Station KSC-97pc662

The second stage of a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle is su...

The second stage of a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle is suspended in the Vertical Integration Building before being moved into position for mating to the first stage. The Titan IVB rocket is the new... More

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) which will be used to propel the Cassini spacecraft to its final destination, Saturn, approaches the pad at Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Air Station. At the pad, the Centaur upper stage will be added and, eventually, the prime payload, the Cassini spacecraft. Cassini will explore the Saturnian system, including the planet’s rings and moon, Titan. Launch of the Cassini mission to Saturn is scheduled for Oct. 6 KSC-97PC871

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (...

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) which will be used to propel the Cassini spacecraft to its final destination, Saturn, approaches the pad at Launch Complex 40, Cape ... More

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) which will be used to propel the Cassini spacecraft to its final destination, Saturn, arrive at the pad at Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Air Station. At the pad, the Centaur upper stage will be added and, eventually, the prime payload, the Cassini spacecraft. Cassini will explore the Saturnian system, including the planet’s rings and moon, Titan. Launch of the Cassini mission to Saturn is scheduled for Oct. 6 KSC-97PC872

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (...

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) which will be used to propel the Cassini spacecraft to its final destination, Saturn, arrive at the pad at Launch Complex 40, Cape C... More

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) which will be used to propel the Cassini spacecraft to its final destination, Saturn, arrive at the pad at Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Air Station. At the pad, the Centaur upper stage will be added and, eventually, the prime payload, the Cassini spacecraft. Cassini will explore the Saturnian system, including the planet’s rings and moon, Titan. Launch of the Cassini mission to Saturn is scheduled for Oct. 6 KSC-97PC869

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (...

The Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) which will be used to propel the Cassini spacecraft to its final destination, Saturn, arrive at the pad at Launch Complex 40, Cape C... More

A Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) depart from the Solid Rocket Motor Assembly and Readiness Facility (SMARF), Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), en route to Launch Complex 40. At the pad, the Centaur upper stage will be added and, eventually, the prime payload, the Cassini spacecraft. Cassini will explore the Saturnian system, including the planet’s rings and moon, Titan. Launch of the Cassini mission to Saturn is scheduled for Oct. 6 from Pad 40, CCAS KSC-97PC870

A Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SR...

A Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) depart from the Solid Rocket Motor Assembly and Readiness Facility (SMARF), Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), en route to Launch Co... More

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The launch vehicle, Cassini spacecraft and attached Centaur stage encased in a payload fairing, altogether stand about 183 feet tall; mounted at the base of the launch vehicle are two upgraded solid rocket motors. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m KSC-97PC1540

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service...

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown... More

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft and its attached Huygens probe. This is the second launch attempt for the Saturn-bound mission; a first try Oct. 13 was scrubbed primarily due to concerns about upper level wind conditions. Liftoff Oct. 15 is set to occur during a launch window opening at 4:43 a.m. EDT and extending until 7:03 a.m. Clearly visible in this view are the 66-foot-tall, 17-foot-wide payload fairing atop the vehicle, in which Cassini and the attached Centaur stage are encased, the two-stage liquid propellant core vehicle, and the twin 112-foot long solid rocket motor upgrades (SRMUs) straddling the core vehicle. It is the SRMUs which ignite first to begin the launch sequence KSC-97PC1542

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service...

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft and its attached Huygens probe. This is the second... More

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. This spectacular streak shot was taken from Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Station, with a solid rocket booster retrieval ship in the foreground. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing KSC-97PC1543

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the lifto...

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. This spectacular streak shot was taken from Hangar AF... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers secure a Centaur upper stage on a transporter after offloading it from a U.S. Air Force C-5c (right). After being mated with the Atlas IIA lower stage, the rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite from Launch Pad 36A on May 15. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0387

At Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers secure a Centaur upper stage on...

At Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers secure a Centaur upper stage on a transporter after offloading it from a U.S. Air Force C-5c (right). After being mated with the Atlas IIA lower stage, the rocket is sched... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers begin offloading a Centaur upper stage from a U.S. Air Force C-5c. After being mated with the Atlas IIA lower stage, the rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite from Launch Pad 36A on May 15. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0386

At Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers begin offloading a Centaur uppe...

At Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers begin offloading a Centaur upper stage from a U.S. Air Force C-5c. After being mated with the Atlas IIA lower stage, the rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L sate... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), workers help guide the crane lifting a Centaur upper stage onto a transporter. The Centaur arrived at CCAS aboard a U.S. Air Force C-5c (far left). After being mated with the Atlas IIA lower stage, the rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite from Launch Pad 36A on May 15. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0388

At Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), workers help guide the crane lif...

At Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), workers help guide the crane lifting a Centaur upper stage onto a transporter. The Centaur arrived at CCAS aboard a U.S. Air Force C-5c (far left). After being mated with t... More

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is lifted up the gantry for mating with the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket already in place. The Lockheed Martin-manufactured Centaur IIA is powered by two Pratt & Whitney turbopump-fed engines, producing a total thrust of 41,600 pounds. The rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite on May 15, at the opening of a launch window which extends from 2:23 to 4:41 a.m. EDT. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0426

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage i...

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is lifted up the gantry for mating with the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket already in place. The Lockheed Martin-manufactured C... More

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is mated to the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket. The rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite on May 15, at the opening of a launch window which extends from 2:23 to 4:41 a.m. EDT. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0429

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage i...

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is mated to the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket. The rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite on May 15, at the o... More

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is moved into place above the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket. The Lockheed Martin-manufactured Centaur IIA is powered by two Pratt & Whitney turbopump-fed engines, producing a total thrust of 41,600 pounds. The rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite on May 15, at the opening of a launch window which extends from 2:23 to 4:41 a.m. EDT. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0428

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage i...

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is moved into place above the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket. The Lockheed Martin-manufactured Centaur IIA is powered by two Pr... More

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is lifted up the gantry for mating with the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket seen behind it. The Lockheed Martin-manufactured Centaur IIA is powered by two Pratt & Whitney turbopump-fed engines, producing a total thrust of 41,600 pounds. The rocket is scheduled to launch the NASA GOES-L satellite on May 15, at the opening of a launch window which extends from 2:23 to 4:41 a.m. EDT. Once in orbit, the satellite will become GOES-11, joining GOES-8, GOES-9 and GOES-10 in space. The fourth of a new advanced series of geostationary weather satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-L is a three-axis inertially stabilized spacecraft that will provide pictures and perform atmospheric sounding at the same time. Once launched, the satellite will undergo checkout and then provide backup capabilities for the existing, aging operational satellites KSC-99pp0427

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage i...

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, a Centaur upper stage is lifted up the gantry for mating with the lower stage Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket seen behind it. The Lockheed Martin-manufactured Cen... More

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0412

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first...

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynch... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket begins erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0414

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Ce...

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket begins erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous t... More

The first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket stands erect in the launch gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0417

The first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket stands erect in the laun...

The first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket stands erect in the launch gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfe... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is nearing erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0416

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Ce...

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is nearing erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchrono... More

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0412

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first...

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynch... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket begins erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0414

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Ce...

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket begins erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous t... More

The first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket stands erect in the launch gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0417

The first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket stands erect in the laun...

The first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket stands erect in the launch gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfe... More

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Shown are the rocket thrusters. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0413

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first...

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Shown are the rocket thrusters. Atlas II is designed to launch payload... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is slowly raised in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0415

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Ce...

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is slowly raised in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous ... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is nearing erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0416

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Ce...

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is nearing erection in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchrono... More

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is slowly raised in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0415

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Ce...

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is slowly raised in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous ... More

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Shown are the rocket thrusters. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the NASA/Lockheed Martin GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0413

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first...

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station prepare to erect the first stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry on pad 36A. Shown are the rocket thrusters. Atlas II is designed to launch payload... More

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station watch as the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0423

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station watch as the second stage ...

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station watch as the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads i... More

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket arrives on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0421

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket arrives on pad 36-A, Ca...

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket arrives on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronou... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check over the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket before it is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0424

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check ov...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check over the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket before it is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check over the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket before it is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0424

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check ov...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check over the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket before it is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is... More

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket arrives on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0421

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket arrives on pad 36-A, Ca...

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket arrives on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronou... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0425

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads ... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lifting of the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry is completed. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0427

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lifting of the s...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lifting of the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry is completed. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, cables help guide the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket as it is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0426

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, cables help guid...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, cables help guide the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket as it is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is desi... More

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station watch as the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0423

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station watch as the second stage ...

Workers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station watch as the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads i... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0425

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is lifted up the gantry (behind it) for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads ... More

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lifting of the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry is completed. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0427

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lifting of the s...

At launch pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lifting of the second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket in the launch gantry is completed. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part... More

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC-00pp0422

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical...

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to lau... More

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing KSC00pp0422

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical...

The second stage of an Atlas II/Centaur rocket is raised to a vertical position in front of the gantry on pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the first stage. Atlas II is designed to lau... More

The GOES-L satellite approaches the end of its journey up the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. The Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Launch is scheduled for May 3 KSC00pp0544

The GOES-L satellite approaches the end of its journey up the gantry o...

The GOES-L satellite approaches the end of its journey up the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. The Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads into... More

The GOES-L satellite, after being lifted up to the top of the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, is ready for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Launch is scheduled for May 3 KSC-00pp0545

The GOES-L satellite, after being lifted up to the top of the gantry o...

The GOES-L satellite, after being lifted up to the top of the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, is ready for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads... More

The GOES-L satellite approaches the end of its journey up the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. The Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Launch is scheduled for May 3 KSC-00pp0544

The GOES-L satellite approaches the end of its journey up the gantry o...

The GOES-L satellite approaches the end of its journey up the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. The Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads into... More

The GOES-L satellite, after being lifted up to the top of the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, is ready for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads into low earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the GOES-L satellite, part of the NOAA National Weather Service system in weather imagery and atmospheric sounding information. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Launch is scheduled for May 3 KSC00pp0545

The GOES-L satellite, after being lifted up to the top of the gantry o...

The GOES-L satellite, after being lifted up to the top of the gantry on pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, is ready for mating with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. Atlas IIA is designed to launch payloads... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed as the tower rolls back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Liftoff is targeted to occur at the opening of a launch window extending from 2:27 5:53 a.m. EDT, a duration of three hours and 27 minutes. Launch will occur from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC00pp0616

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed as the tower rolls back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an... More

The night sky is briefly turned bright as day with the launch of the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC-00pp0623

The night sky is briefly turned bright as day with the launch of the A...

The night sky is briefly turned bright as day with the launch of the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L casts a luminescent glow as it starts to clear the tower at Pad A, Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC-00pp0620

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L casts a luminescent glow as it starts to clear the tower at Pad A, Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed as the tower rolls back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Liftoff is targeted to occur at the opening of a launch window extending from 2:27 5:53 a.m. EDT, a duration of three hours and 27 minutes. Launch will occur from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC-00pp0616

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed as the tower rolls back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an... More

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L hurtles into space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC-00pp0622

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/N...

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L hurtles into space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. ... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC00pp0619

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to pro... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L launches toward space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC00pp0618

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L launches toward space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary obj... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L launches toward space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC-00pp0618

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L launches toward space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary obj... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC00pp0621

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to pro... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed after the tower was rolled back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Liftoff is targeted to occur at the opening of a launch window extending from 2:27 5:53 a.m. EDT, a duration of three hours and 27 minutes. Launch will occur from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC-00pp0617

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed after the tower was rolled back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satelli... More

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L hurtles into space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC00pp0622

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/N...

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L hurtles into space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. ... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC-00pp0621

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to pro... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC-00pp0619

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to pro... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L casts a luminescent glow as it starts to clear the tower at Pad A, Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season KSC00pp0620

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L casts a luminescent glow as it starts to clear the tower at Pad A, Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3... More

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed after the tower was rolled back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Liftoff is targeted to occur at the opening of a launch window extending from 2:27 5:53 a.m. EDT, a duration of three hours and 27 minutes. Launch will occur from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC00pp0617

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite G...

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed after the tower was rolled back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satelli... More

At Hangar J, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), work is begun on the Centaur upper stage that will be used with an Atlas IIA rocket to launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle is manufactured and operated by Lockheed Martin. Atlas IIA is capable of lifting payload systems to geosynchronous transfer orbit KSC00pp0665

At Hangar J, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), work is begun o...

At Hangar J, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), work is begun on the Centaur upper stage that will be used with an Atlas IIA rocket to launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 f... More

After offloading of the Centaur upper stage from a Russian cargo plane, the Antenov 124, workers check the offloading of an Atlas IIA rocket. The combined Atlas IIA/Centaur will be used to launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atlas IIA is capable of lifting payload systems weights in the 2,850 kg (6,300 lb) to 3,070 kg (6,760 lb) class to geosynchronous transfer orbit KSC-00pp0664

After offloading of the Centaur upper stage from a Russian cargo plane...

After offloading of the Centaur upper stage from a Russian cargo plane, the Antenov 124, workers check the offloading of an Atlas IIA rocket. The combined Atlas IIA/Centaur will be used to launch the latest Tra... More

Previous

of 5

Next