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196 media by topic ∙ page 1 of 2
Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_022.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, calls out temperature, PH and salinity data to Barry Crawford, EPA contractor with Green Grid at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA [412-APD-675-2010-08-06_Cocodre_053.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spill) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, calls out temperature, PH and salinity data to Barry Crawford, EPA contractor with Green Grid at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA [412-APD-673-2010-06-04_GrandIsle_111.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spi...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spill)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1966

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1969

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Sp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1970

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Laun... More

Chesapeake Bay program, monitoring vital signs of the bay

Chesapeake Bay program, monitoring vital signs of the bay

Shows water quality monitoring stations, major spawning areas, and degrees of salinity. Includes text, notes, and inset of "The Chesapeake Bay watershed." Available also through the Library of Congress Web site... More

Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, USA

Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, USA

This is a view of the Great Salt Lake and nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, (41.0N, 112.5W). A railroad causeway divides the lake with a stark straight line changing the water level and chemistry of the lake as... More

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-666-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_025.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana an...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-666-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_027.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana an...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_064.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_019.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-666-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_026.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana an...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_020.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_020.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_064.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_021.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_019.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_021.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-666-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_001.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana an...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-05-14_LafourcheLA_022.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill) - Salinity, temperature, Ph testing. Curtis Franklin, Dougherty Srague Environmental Inc. EPA contractor. USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-666-2010-05-14_Cocodrie_024.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana an...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Cocodrie, Louisiana and Water Sampling (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, measure temperature, PH and salinity of water of test site at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA, USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-08-06_Cocodre_051.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, measure temperature, PH and salinity of water of test site at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA, USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-08-06_Cocodre_051.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, measure temperature, PH and salinity of water of test site at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA, USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-659-2010-08-06_Cocodre_052.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spill) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, measure temperature, PH and salinity of water of test site at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA, USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-673-2010-06-04_GrandIsle_110.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spi...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, calls out temperature, PH and salinity data to Barry Crawford, EPA contractor with Green Grid at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA [412-APD-659-2010-08-06_Cocodre_053.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Phot...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - BP Oil Spill (Web Photographs)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spill) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, measure temperature, PH and salinity of water of test site at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA, USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-673-2010-06-04_GrandIsle_109.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spi...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Grand Isle (BP Oil Spill)

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill) - Patrick Warnick, EPA contractor with Weston Solutions, measure temperature, PH and salinity of water of test site at Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle, LA, USEPA photo by Eric Vance [412-APD-675-2010-08-06_Cocodre_052.jpg]

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil...

Office of the Administrator (Lisa P. Jackson) - Various Images (BP Oil Spill)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite into low Earth orbit is prepared for its move to Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2). Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1960

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As the sun rises over Vandenberg ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite int... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1967

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians guide the first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Sp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3870

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite into low Earth orbit arrives to the launch pad at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3865

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the United Lau...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite into low Earth orbit arrives to the launch pad at NASA's Space Lau... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers guide the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3875

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers guide the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3869

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit arrives to the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1963

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit arrives to the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers guide the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3874

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers guide the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1964

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) in California. While the Delta II rocket is stacked on SLC-2, teams for NASA's Glory spacecraft and Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket are in launch preparation mode at Vandenberg's nearby Space Launch Complex 576-E. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1965

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit is raised onto the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Laun... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3871

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth or... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid rocket motors to a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle in the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3882

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid rocket motors to a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle in the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenbe... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane workers lift one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3878

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane workers lift one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United Launch Alliance technicians finish installing one of three Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W). Scheduled to launch in June, the Delta II rocket will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2198

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United Launch Alliance technicians finish installing one of three Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane raises one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W). Scheduled to launch in June, the Delta II rocket will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2192

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg A...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane raises one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Comp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid rocket motors to a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle in the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3884

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid rocket motors to a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle in the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenbe... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane workers lift one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3880

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane workers lift one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane begins to raise one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W). Scheduled to launch in June, the Delta II rocket will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2191

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg A...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane begins to raise one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space La... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane raises one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W). A second motor was installed earlier in the morning. Scheduled to launch in June, the Delta II rocket will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2197

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 crane raises one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W)... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid rocket motors to a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle in the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3881

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach one of three solid rocket motors to a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle in the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenbe... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane raises one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W). Scheduled to launch in June, the Delta II rocket will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2195

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 crane raises one of three United Launch Alliance Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W)... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United Launch Alliance technicians prepare to raise one of three Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Space Launch Complex-2 West (SLC-2W). Scheduled to launch in June, the Delta II rocket will carry NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2190

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg A...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --As the sun rises over Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United Launch Alliance technicians prepare to raise one of three Delta II solid rocket motors on the pad at Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians hoist the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position in the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket is being prepared to launch NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2452

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians hoist the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position in the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers prepare the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor for lifting into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3886

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers prepare the United Launch...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers prepare the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor for lifting into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Ba... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California back in place, United Space Alliance technicians complete the installation of the second stage of a Delta II rocket to the first stage. The rocket is being prepared to launch NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2456

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California back in place, United Space Alliance technicians complete the installation ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians hoist the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position in the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket is being prepared to launch NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2453

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technician...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians hoist the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position in the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California back in place, United Space Alliance technicians lower the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position over the first stage. The rocket is being prepared to launch NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2454

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California back in place, United Space Alliance technicians lower the second stage of ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians prepare to hoist the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position in the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket is being prepared to launch NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2451

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- United Space Alliance technicians prepare to hoist the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position in the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is moved away from the service tower as workers prepare to lift the second stage to the top of the tower for mating with the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3885

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is moved away from the service tower as workers prepare to lift the second stage to the top of the tower for mating with the first... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the help of an overhead crane workers lift the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor to the top of the service tower for mating with the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3888

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the help of an overhead cran...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the help of an overhead crane workers lift the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor to the top of the service tower for mating with the first stage at NAS... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach cables from an overhead crane to the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor for mating to the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3887

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach cables from an ove...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach cables from an overhead crane to the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor for mating to the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2)... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California back in place, United Space Alliance technicians lower the second stage of a Delta II rocket into position over the first stage and three solid rocket motors. The rocket is being prepared to launch NASA's Aquarius satellite into low Earth orbit. Scheduled to launch in June, Aquarius' mission will be to provide monthly maps of global changes in sea surface salinity. By measuring ocean salinity from space, Aquarius will provide new insights into how the massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate. Also going up with the satellite are optical and thermal cameras, a microwave radiometer and the SAC-D spacecraft, which were developed with the help of institutions in Italy, France, Canada and Argentina. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2455

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) service tower at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California back in place, United Space Alliance technicians lower the second stage of a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is transported to the Spaceport Systems International processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane delivered the spacecraft from Campos, Brazil. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2633

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is transported to the Spaceport Systems International processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Forc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2623

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arr...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane delivered the spacecraft from Campos, Brazil. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2638

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Force C-... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is offloaded from a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The aircraft traveled from Campos, Brazil. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2630

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is offloaded from a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The aircraft traveled from Campos, Brazil. Follow... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is transported to the Spaceport Systems International processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane delivered the spacecraft from Campos, Brazil. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2631

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is transported to the Spaceport Systems International processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Forc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is transported to the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane delivered the spacecraft from Campos, Brazil. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2634

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is transported to the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Earlier, a U.S. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2624

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arr...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is offloaded from a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The aircraft traveled from Campos, Brazil. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: VAFB/30th Space Wing KSC-2011-2628

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is offloaded from a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The aircraft traveled from Campos, Brazil. Follow... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is unpacked and unveiled in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container protected the spacecraft on its journey from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2728

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is unpacked and unveiled in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The con... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is unpacked and unveiled in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container protected the spacecraft on its journey from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2727

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is unpacked and unveiled in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The con... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians begin to unpack and unveil the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container protected the spacecraft on its journey from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2725

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians begin to unpack and u...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians begin to unpack and unveil the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians prepare to unpack and unveil the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container protected the spacecraft on its journey from Campos, Brazil, aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch to low Earth orbit. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. Salinity is a key measurement for understanding how changes in rainfall, evaporation and the melting of freezing of ice influence ocean circulation and are linked to variations in Earth's climate. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2724

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians prepare to unpack and...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians prepare to unpack and unveil the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft in the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Cal... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is secured to the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2762

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is secured to the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Forc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane moves the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2759

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane moves the Aquar...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane moves the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician guides the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft toward the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2760

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician guides the Aquarius/...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician guides the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft toward the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vanden... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians await the arrival of the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2752

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians await the arrival of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Technicians await the arrival of the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician secures the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2761

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician secures the Aquarius...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A technician secures the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to the Rotation and Test Fixture in cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenber... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from its stand by an overhead to cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will undergo inspection of its solar arrays and tests will be conducted on its propulsion subsystem. Further testing of the satellites various other systems will follow. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will map global changes in salinity at the ocean's surface. The three-year mission will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to these fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2756

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquar...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from its stand by an overhead to cell 3 at the Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility at Vandenber... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-2911

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a v... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-2914

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertic... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-2913

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a verti... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-2912

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a ver... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2011-2915

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertic... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-3000

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a v... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2999

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-3007

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a hori... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-3002

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertic... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-3004

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a verti... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-3001

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a verti... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-2997

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a v... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-3006

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a horizo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to close the solar arrays on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3223

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to close the solar arrays on the Aquarius/SAC-D ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to close the solar arrays on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3222

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to close the solar arrays on the Aquarius/SAC-D ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians attach an overhead crane to the second solar array that will be integrated to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3238

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Systems International's P...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians attach an overhead crane to the second solar array that w... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians extend a solar array on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to test the release mechanism sequence for the array using signal commands. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3231

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians extend a solar array on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians remove a protective cover from the solar array after integration to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3225

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians remove a protective cover from the solar array after int... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians guide an overhead crane lowering the second solar array toward the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3241

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians guide an overhead crane lowering the second solar array ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians perform blanket work in the vicinity of the dual-thruster modules on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3233

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians perform blanket work in the vicinity of the dual-thruste... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician measures the clearance between the solar panel and a dual-thruster module after the array was installed to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-3227

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician measures the clearance between the solar panel and a du... More

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