interstellar

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The Evolution of Interstellar Space Flight

The Evolution of Interstellar Space Flight

This drawing, created by a 10-13 year-old Carl Sagan, presents a vision for space flight as a collage of newspaper headlines from the future. Some of the headlines announce technological developments, like an ... More

Interstellar music : note - Public domain document scan

Interstellar music : note - Public domain document scan

In this document, Carl Sagan ponders if interstellar communication might not be "messages but music." He notes that "there are phenomena from the atomic to the stellar and galactic where harmonies and resonance... More

Voyager 2 Launch, Voyager Program, NASA/JPL Photo

Voyager 2 Launch, Voyager Program, NASA/JPL Photo

(August 20, 1977) Voyager 2 was launched August 20, 1977, sixteen days before Voyager 1 aboard a Titan-Centaur rocket. Their different flight trajectories caused Voyager 2 to arrive at Jupiter four months later... More

Embryonic Stars Emerge from Interstellar Eggs

Embryonic Stars Emerge from Interstellar Eggs

Eerie, dramatic pictures from NASA Hubble telescope show newborn stars emerging from eggs -- dense, compact pockets of interstellar gas called evaporating gaseous globules or EGGs. NASA/ESA/STScI/J. Hester and ... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane lifts the cover of a shipping container to reveal NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2402

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane lifts the cover of a shipping container to reveal NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the shipping container with NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft inside has arrived.   The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2399

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the shipping container with NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft inside has arrived. The IBEX sat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians follow the movement of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft toward the mobile stand in the foreground. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2410

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians follow the movement of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft toward the mobile stand in... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –   At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians  prepare a mobile stand to receive NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2409

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare a mobile stand to receive NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft. The IBEX sat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft rests securely on the mobile stand.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2414

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft rests securely on the mobile stand. The IBEX satellite will ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft to be lifted from the shipping platform and moved to a mobile stand in the background. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2403

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft to be lifted from the shipping platform an... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare a mobile stand for the transfer of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2401

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare a mobile stand for the transfer of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft. The IB... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane begins lifting NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft to move it to a nearby mobile stand. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2407

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane begins lifting NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft to move it to a nearby mobil... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians check the base of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft as it is lifted off its shipping stand.  The spacecraft will be moved to a nearby mobile stand. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2408

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians check the base of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft as it is lifted off its shippin... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician secures the overhead crane that will lift NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft and move it to a nearby mobile stand.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2406

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician secures the overhead crane that will lift NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft and mo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to secure NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft on the mobile stand.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2412

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to secure NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft on the mobile stand. The IBEX sa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft to be lifted from the shipping platform and moved to a mobile stand in the background. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2404

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft to be lifted from the shipping platform a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane is ready to lift NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft and move it to a nearby mobile stand.The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2405

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an overhead crane is ready to lift NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft and move it to a nearby mo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft as an overhead crane lowers it into place on the mobile stand.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2411

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft as an overhead crane lowers it into pl... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians attach an overhead crane to the shipping container cover on NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft.   The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley KSC-08pd2400

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians attach an overhead crane to the shipping container cover on NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission s... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians release the overhead crane from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft which rests on the mobile stand.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA KSC-08pd2413

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians release the overhead crane from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft which rests on th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a bracket is attached to the Star-27 kick motor for NASA's  Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft.  The motor will be lifted and moved to the waiting adapter cone. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2415

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a bracket is attached to the Star-27 kick motor for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft. The mot... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's  Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is being hoisted before insertion into the adapter cone.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2419

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is being hoisted before inserti... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's  Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft are “on top” and part of the IBEX flight system, known as the adapter cone, is in the foreground/bottom.  The Star-27 motor has a silver tank that contains the solid propellant.  The nozzle fits down inside the adapter cone.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2418

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft are “on top” and part of the IB... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's  Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft.  The motor will be lifted and moved to the waiting adapter cone. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2416

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide  the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's  Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft.  The motor/nozzle will be inserted in the adapter cone (bottom of the foreground). The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2417

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission spacecraft... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians detach the cables from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft Star-27 kick motor and nozzle after their insertion into the adapter cone. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2420

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians detach the cables from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft Star-27 kick motor and nozzle after... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft have been inserted into the adapter cone.  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from the Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe KSC-08pd2421

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft have been inserted into the adap... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, at right is the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. At left are the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for IBEX “on top” and the adapter cone, part of the IBEX flight system, underneath.  The IBEX is being prepared for a spin balance test. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2505

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, at right is the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. At left are the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for IBEX... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is seen “on top” and the adapter cone, part of the IBEX flight system, underneath. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2507

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is seen “on top” and the adapter ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is lifted toward a spin stand (behind it) for testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2508

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is lifted toward a spin stand (behind it) for testing. The IBEX sat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is lowered onto a spin stand for testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2509

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is lowered onto a spin stand for testing. The IBEX satellite will m... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft seen here is being prepared for a spin balance test. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2506

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft seen here is being prepared for a spin balance test. The IBEX satel... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, at left is the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. At right are the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for IBEX “on top” and the adapter cone, part of the IBEX flight system, underneath.  The IBEX is being prepared for a spin balance test. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2504

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, at left is the NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. At right are the Star-27 kick motor and nozzle for IBEX... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help place NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft onto a stand for spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2515

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help place NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft onto a stand for spin balance testing. The IBEX ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician checks NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft suspended by an overhead crane.  IBEX is undergoing spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2513

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician checks NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft suspended by an overhead crane. IBEX is undergoing... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician helps guide the placement of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft onto a stand for spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2514

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician helps guide the placement of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft onto a stand for spin balance... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician checks NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft undergoing spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2511

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician checks NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft undergoing spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California,  technicians help guide an overhead crane toward NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft below it.  IBEX is undergoing spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2512

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians help guide an overhead crane toward NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft below it. IBEX is und... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is ready for spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. As the solar wind from the sun flows out beyond Pluto, it collides with the material between the stars, forming a shock front. IBEX contains two neutral atom imagers designed to detect particles from the termination shock at the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX also will study galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles from beyond the Solar System that pose a health and safety hazard for humans exploring beyond Earth orbit. IBEX will make these observations from a highly elliptical orbit that takes it beyond the interference of the Earth's magnetosphere.  IBEX is targeted for launch from a Pegasus XL rocket on Oct. 5.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd2510

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is ready for spin balance testing. The IBEX satellite will make the fir... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is driven from the Astrotech building in an environmentally controlled container to Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  In the hangar, IBEX will be mated with the Pegasus XL rocket for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct.  19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit.   Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-08pd3064

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Interstellar Boundary Explorer...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft is driven from the Astrotech building in an environmentally controlled container to Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Forc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft leaves the Astrotech building to head for Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  In the hangar, IBEX will be mated with the Pegasus XL rocket for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct.  19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit.   Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-08pd3063

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Interstellar Boundary Explorer...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft leaves the Astrotech building to head for Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the hangar, IBEX... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Pegasus XL aircraft (left) is ready for mating to NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and upper stage booster (right).  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/D. Kolkow, VAFB KSC-08pd3018

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base, the...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Pegasus XL aircraft (left) is ready for mating to NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and upper stage booster (right... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. –  At Vandenberg Air Force Base, workers prepare to move NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and upper stage booster (right) to mate it with the Pegasus XL aircraft (left).  The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space.  IBEX is the first mission designed to detect the edge of the Solar System. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/D. Kolkow, VAFB KSC-08pd3019

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base, wor...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – At Vandenberg Air Force Base, workers prepare to move NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and upper stage booster (right) to mate it with the Pegasus ... More

KWAJALEIN ATOLL, S. Pacific –  The Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft arrives at Kwajalein Atoll Oct. 12, 2008, with the Pegasus XL rocket and the Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX.  The two-day ferry flight began from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Oct. 11.  After an overnight stopover in Hawaii, the ferry flight to the South Pacific continued.  Launch of IBEX aboard the Pegasus XL rocket successfully occurred over the Pacific Ocean Oct. 19 at a location 125 miles north of Kwajalein.  Photo credit: Ivy Springer KSC-08pd3667

KWAJALEIN ATOLL, S. Pacific – The Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier air...

KWAJALEIN ATOLL, S. Pacific – The Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft arrives at Kwajalein Atoll Oct. 12, 2008, with the Pegasus XL rocket and the Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX. The two-day fer... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager, NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) holds a replica of the golden record carried on Voyager at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at NA... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist, California Institute of Technology, is seen as he speaks at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. N... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Don Gurnett, Voyager plasma wave investigation principal investigator, University of Iowa, speaks at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at NASA Headquarters in Washington... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist, California Institute of Technology, holds a model of NASA's Voyager spacecraft at a news conference, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA's Voy... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Gary Zank, (second from right) Department of Space Sciences, Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomics Research (CSPAR), University of Alabama in Huntsville, speaks at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecr... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Gary Zank, Department of Space Sciences, Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomics Research (CSPAR), University of Alabama in Huntsville, speaks at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept.... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist, California Institute of Technology, is seen as he speaks at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. N... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Dwayne Brown, Senior Public Affairs Officer, NASA Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, kicks off a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 in Washington. NASA's Vo... More

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

NASA Voyager in Interstellar Space, Voyager Project

Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager, NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) speaks at a news conference on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. NASA's Voyager 1 ... More

Voyager Captures Sounds of Interstellar Space

Voyager Captures Sounds of Interstellar Space

This visual represents sounds captured of interstellar space by NASA Voyager 1 spacecraft. Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument detected the vibrations of dense interstellar plasma. NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Iowa

Voyager Goes Interstellar Artist Concept

Voyager Goes Interstellar Artist Concept

Voyager 1 has entered interstellar space. NASA spacecraft, which rose from Earth on a September morning 36 years ago, has traveled farther than anyone, or anything, in history. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Observed Change in Density Shows Voyager is in Interstellar Space

Observed Change in Density Shows Voyager is in Interstellar Space

This graphic of Voyager 1 shows its location when it crossed into interstellar space. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Mystery of the Interstellar Magnetic Field Artist Concept

Mystery of the Interstellar Magnetic Field Artist Concept

The artist concept on left is based on theoretical models predicting the direction and strength of magnetic field lines coming from the sun and interstellar space. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Moving into Interstellar Space Artist Concept

Moving into Interstellar Space Artist Concept

This artist concept shows the outer layers of our solar bubble, or heliosphere, and nearby interstellar space. NASA Voyager 1 is currently exploring a region of interstellar space. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Voyager 1 Entering Interstellar Space Artist Concept

Voyager 1 Entering Interstellar Space Artist Concept

This artist concept depicts NASA Voyager 1 spacecraft entering interstellar space. Interstellar space is dominated by the plasma, or ionized gas, that was ejected by the death of nearby giant stars millions of ... More

Heliosphere Traveling Through Interstellar Space

Heliosphere Traveling Through Interstellar Space

This schematic shows our solar bubble moving through nearby interstellar space, or the space between stars. G. Zank

Attendees line up outside of Fort Hood’s Palmer Theater

Attendees line up outside of Fort Hood’s Palmer Theater

Attendees line up outside of Fort Hood’s Palmer Theater Oct. 18 to view the advance screening of Interstellar and meet the movie’s star, Matthew McConaughey. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Tomora Clark, 13th Public Affai... More

A very large room with a lot of holes in it. Pods space deisgn, science technology.

A very large room with a lot of holes in it. Pods space deisgn, scienc...

Free images of Universe. Download Universe art and posters. Use free Universe pictures without any copyright restrictions.

A man in a space suit is flying through the air. Astronaut cosmonaut space, science technology.

A man in a space suit is flying through the air. Astronaut cosmonaut s...

The Sun. Free images of The Sun. Artworks and photographs, available for commercial use and free download. Copyright-free, no attribution required.

An artist's rendering of a satellite in space. Space light night.

An artist's rendering of a satellite in space. Space light night.

Artist's concept of the spacecraft / An artist's rendering of a satellite in space / Public domain stock illustration.

A space filled with stars and nebulas. Outer space constellation galaxy.

A space filled with stars and nebulas. Outer space constellation galax...

Space wallpapers unique space wallpapers wallpaper cave of the day of space wallpapers elegant space wallpapers wallpaper cave of the day / A space filled with stars and nebulas / Public domain stock illustration.

Public Domain Stock Photo . Solar system galaxy space.

Public Domain Stock Photo . Solar system galaxy space.

The Sun. Free images of The Sun. Artworks and photographs, available for commercial use and free download. Copyright-free, no attribution required.

A couple of elephants standing next to each other. Meteors sun space, science technology.

A couple of elephants standing next to each other. Meteors sun space, ...

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Public domain stock image. Ufo alien spaceship, science technology.

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A view of the earth from space with the sun in the background. Space exoplanet photo art.

A view of the earth from space with the sun in the background. Space e...

Earth is the second planet in the solar system / The sun rising over the earth / Public domain art photo.

A clock that is in the middle of a circle. Science fiction energy background, backgrounds textures.

A clock that is in the middle of a circle. Science fiction energy back...

Digital art selected for the / A clock that is in the middle of a circle / Public domain stock illustration.

A space station flying through a red galaxy. Interstellar space station spaceship, science technology.

A space station flying through a red galaxy. Interstellar space statio...

A space ship flying through space / A space station flying through a red galaxy / Public domain stock illustration.

A picture of a city with lots of trees. Pods space deisgn, science technology.

A picture of a city with lots of trees. Pods space deisgn, science tec...

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A spiral galaxy with stars in the background. Nebula galaxy space, science technology.

A spiral galaxy with stars in the background. Nebula galaxy space, sci...

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A space ship flying through a red galaxy. Space interstellar galaxy, science technology.

A space ship flying through a red galaxy. Space interstellar galaxy, s...

Space ship flying through the red space / A space ship flying through a red galaxy / Public domain stock illustration.

A computer generated image of a cell phone. Alien pods space, science technology.

A computer generated image of a cell phone. Alien pods space, science ...

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