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Arriving at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, only days before, F-15E Strike Eagles from the 366th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, prepare to fly their first bombing missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM into Afghanistan from a base in Southwest Asia. As the crewchief watches, the pilot (left), call sign "Slokes", and the weapon system operator (WSO) in the aircraft for a mission, call sign "Snitch", prepare to strap-on their F-15E. The 366th AEW is one of the Air Force's "on-call 911" fighter wings, ready to deploy at a moments notice

Arriving at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, only days before, F-15E Strike E...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM Scene Camera Operator... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is moved into place in the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2036

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is moved into place in the mobile service tower. To follow in the next... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., technicians work on the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket before it is lifted up into the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2035

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaver...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., technicians work on the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket before it is lifted up into the mobile service t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted off its transporter for transfer into the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2030

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted off its transporter for transfer into the mobile service tow... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted toward the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2032

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted toward the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted toward the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2031

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted toward the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted toward the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2033

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is lifted toward the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is moved into place in the mobile service tower. To follow in the next week are attachment of the three strap-on solid rocket boosters, lifting of the payload fairing, and lifting of the second stage for mating with the first stage. The rocket is the launch vehicle for the Swift spacecraft and its Gamma-Ray Burst Mission, now scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 2. Swift is a medium-class Explorer mission managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory was built for NASA by Spectrum Astro, a division of General Dynamics. KSC is responsible for Swift’s integration with the Boeing Delta II rocket and the countdown management on launch day. KSC-04pd2034

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the first stage of a Boeing Delta II rocket is moved into place in the mobile service tower. To follow in the next... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II rocket stands ready for fueling in preparation for launch. The CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites are set to launch at 6:02 a.m. EDT on April 23 from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) on missions to study clouds and aerosols, tiny particles in the air. CALIPSO and CloudSat are set to fly into orbit aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. The Delta II is designed to boost medium-sized satellites and robotic explorers into space. NASA selected a model 7420-10C for this mission, which is a two-stage rocket equipped with four strap-on motors and a protective 10-foot payload fairing. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls KSC-06pd0696

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On Space Launch Complex 2, the De...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II rocket stands ready for fueling in preparation for launch. The CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites are set to launch at 6:02 a.m. EDT on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The solid rocket boosters on the Delta II 7925 rocket are revealed following the retraction of the mobile service tower, or gantry, on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2167

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The solid rocket boosters on the Delta I...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The solid rocket boosters on the Delta II 7925 rocket are revealed following the retraction of the mobile service tower, or gantry, on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket stands ready for launch following rollback of the mobile service tower, or gantry, on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2166

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket stands ready fo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket stands ready for launch following rollback of the mobile service tower, or gantry, on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Preparations to move the mobile service tower, or gantry, from around the Delta II 7925 rocket are under way under the lights on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2163

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Preparations to move the mobile service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Preparations to move the mobile service tower, or gantry, from around the Delta II 7925 rocket are under way under the lights on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the mobile service tower, or gantry, from around the Delta II 7925 rocket is complete on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2168

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the mobile service tower, or...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the mobile service tower, or gantry, from around the Delta II 7925 rocket is complete on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket is revealed as the mobile service tower, or gantry, rolls back on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2165

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket is revealed as ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket is revealed as the mobile service tower, or gantry, rolls back on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket is revealed as the mobile service tower, or gantry, is retracted on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2164

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket is revealed as ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Delta II 7925 rocket is revealed as the mobile service tower, or gantry, is retracted on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the mobile service tower, or gantry, from around the Delta II 7925 rocket is complete on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages and nine strap-on solid rocket motors, the Delta II rocket packs plenty of punch for sending the Phoenix spacecraft on its way toward Mars. Launch is targeted for Aug. 4 during one of two opportunities for liftoff: 5:26 or 6:02 a.m. EDT. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2169

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the mobile service tower, or...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the mobile service tower, or gantry, from around the Delta II 7925 rocket is complete on Launch Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Equipped with three stages... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter. The booster will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0852

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter. The booster will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the De... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket, at right, that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive the solid rocket boosters in the mobile service tower, at left. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0871

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket, at right, that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The first solid rocket motor arrives at Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II rocket (background) to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage.The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0851

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The first solid rocket motor arrives at Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The first solid rocket motor arrives at Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II rocket (background) to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Teles... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0854

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position for lifting into the mobile service tower. There it will be mated with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0853

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position for lifting into the mobile service tower. There it will be mated with the Del... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower at left approaches the Delta II rocket at right. The solid rocket boosters in the tower will be mated with the rocket, which will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will be mated with the rocket to help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0872

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower at left approaches the Delta II rocket at right. The solid rocket boosters in the tower will be mated with t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the third solid rocket booster joins two others in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0870

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the third solid rocket booster joins two others in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket that will lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter toward a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. Two other boosters are already in place. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0864

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter toward a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare to raise the solid rocket booster to a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0862

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare to raise the solid rocket booster to a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted into th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter toward a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. Two other boosters are already in place. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0865

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter toward a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0855

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Are... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- A third solid rocket booster arrives on Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0861

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- A third solid rocket booster arrives on Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- A third solid rocket booster arrives on Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster joins the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0858

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster joins the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that wil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, technicians check the electronics on a solid rocket booster to be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0857

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, technicians check the electronics on a solid rocket booster to be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II roc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Under a waning moon (upper right) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive the first of the solid rocket boosters. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0848

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Under a waning moon (upper right) at Cape C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Under a waning moon (upper right) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to rec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The first solid rocket motor arrives at Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0849

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The first solid rocket motor arrives at Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- The first solid rocket motor arrives at Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive the first of the solid rocket boosters. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0850

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the De...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive the first of the solid rocket... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive the first of the solid rocket boosters. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0847

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the De...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is poised to receive the first of the solid rocket... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the third solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. It joins the first two boosters already in place. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the third solid rocket booster is lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamm... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower at left approaches the Delta II rocket at right. The solid rocket boosters in the tower will be mated with the rocket, which will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will be mated with the rocket to help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0873

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the mobile service tower at left approaches the Delta II rocket at right. The solid rocket boosters in the tower will be mated with t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the third solid rocket booster joins two others in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0867

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the third solid rocket booster joins two others in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket that will lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters are in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket, at left, that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0869

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters are in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket, at left, that will launch NA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker attaches the crane to a solid rocket booster. The crane will raise the booster to a vertical position. When it has been raised, the booster will be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0863

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force St...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker attaches the crane to a solid rocket booster. The crane will raise the booster to a vertical position. When it has been ra... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters are in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket, at left, that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0868

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- On Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, three solid rocket boosters are in the mobile service tower. They will be mated with the Delta II rocket, at left, that will launch NA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster joins the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket (background) that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0859

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster joins the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket (backgro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter. The booster will join the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0856

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster is raised from its transporter. The booster will join the first booster lifted into the mobile service t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster joins the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that will launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0860

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a second solid rocket booster joins the first booster lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket that wil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers get ready to lift an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster to be mated onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3458

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers get ready to lift an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster to be mated onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers on an upper level of the launch tower watch as a strap-on solid rocket booster is lifted into place to mate to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3464

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers on an upper level of the launch tower watch as a strap-on solid rocket booster is lifted into place to mate to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3461

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) tha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare to mate an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3469

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare to mate an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the K... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3462

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) tha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3471

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) tha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster is lifted up for mating onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3459

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster is lifted up for mating onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the K... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare the air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters to be mated onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3457

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare the air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters to be mated onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers oversee the lifting of an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster that will be mated to the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3468

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers oversee the lifting of an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster that will be mated to the Delta 2 launch vehic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3470

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air For...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters are added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle (seen here) that wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a view from an upper level of the launch tower show air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters being added to the first stage of the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3463

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a view from an upper level of the launch tower show air-lit strap-on solid rocket boosters being added to the first st... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers mate an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler spacecraft into orbit. The Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets. Results from this mission will allow us to place our solar system within the continuum of planetary systems in the Galaxy. NASA's planet-hunting Kepler mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 5, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3460

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers mate an air-lit strap-on solid rocket booster onto the Delta 2 launch vehicle that will carry the Kepler space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane is enlisted to position a solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, beside the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3600

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane is enlisted to position a ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane is enlisted to position a solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, beside the rocket's first stage in the ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Solid rocket motor installation progresses on the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, with the attachment of the second motor to the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3607

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Solid rocket motor installation pr...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Solid rocket motor installation progresses on the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, with the attachment of the second motor to the roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inside the mobile service tower use headsets to ensure communication with each other and their fellow workers outside the tower during operations to install the solid rocket motors on the first stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3608

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inside the mobile service ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inside the mobile service tower use headsets to ensure communication with each other and their fellow workers outside the tower during operations to install the solid... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to install a solid rocket motor on the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3597

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway in the m...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to install a solid rocket motor on the Delta II roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers secure the second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, onto the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3609

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers secure the second solid ro...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers secure the second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, onto the rocket's first stage in the mobile ser... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3602

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for th...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, glides into position beside the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3604

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for th...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, glides into position beside the rocket's first stage in the mobi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers deliver a solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3596

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers deliver a solid rocket mot...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers deliver a solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3599

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor for the Delta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor a second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, as it is lifted into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California beside the rocket's first stage. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3605

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor a second solid roc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor a second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, as it is lifted into the mobile service tower at... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor a second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, as it is lowered into position beside the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3606

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor a second solid roc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers monitor a second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, as it is lowered into position beside the rocket... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is raised into a vertical position at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3603

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for th...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is raised into a vertical position at the mobile service tower a... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California monitor a solid rocket motor as it is raised into a vertical position for installation on the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, in the mobile service tower. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3598

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California monitor a solid rocket motor as it is raised into a vertical position for installation on the Del... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is delivered to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3595

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor for the Delta...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor for the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is delivered to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on V... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California monitor a solid rocket motor as it is installed on the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP. SMAP will be launched on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3601

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers in the mobile service towe...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California monitor a solid rocket motor as it is installed on the Delta II rocke... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare the second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, for its lift into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3612

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare the second stage o...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare the second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, for its lift into the mobile service tower at Space Launch C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is rolled back from the first stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, during preparations for the arrival of the rocket's second stage. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3610

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower at Space ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is rolled back from the first stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moist... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is transferred into the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3615

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is transferred into the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comp... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lowered onto the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3616

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is lowered onto the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Spac... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is attached to a crane for its lift into the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3613

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is attached to a crane for its lift into the mobile service tower at Space L... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers align the second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, on the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3617

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers align the second stage of ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers align the second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, on the rocket's first stage in the mobile service tower at Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane hoists the second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, to the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3614

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane hoists the second stage of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane hoists the second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, to the top of the mobile service tower at Space Launch Comple... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is delivered to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to install the second stage atop the rocket's first stage. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-3611

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The second stage of the Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is delivered to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vanden... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A plethora of ground support equipment for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is delivered to the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4235

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A plethora of ground support equip...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A plethora of ground support equipment for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is delivered to the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air F... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Operations are underway to offload NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4238

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Operations are underway to offload...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Operations are underway to offload NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inspect NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft after its protective covering is removed in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a post-shipment inspection. The covering protected the spacecraft from static-charge buildup and contamination while it was in transit from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4269

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inspect NASA's Soil Moistu...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inspect NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft after its protective covering is removed in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg A... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A forklift is moved into place to assist with the offloading of NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4240

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A forklift is moved into place to ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A forklift is moved into place to assist with the offloading of NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propuls... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers push the pallet supporting the transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft into the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4243

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers push the pallet supporting...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers push the pallet supporting the transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft into the Astrotech payload processing faci... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft comes into view as the protective covering is removed in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a post-shipment inspection. The covering protected the spacecraft from static-charge buildup and contamination while it was in transit from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4268

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passiv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft comes into view as the protective covering is removed in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers replace the protective covering around NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft following the spacecraft's post-shipment inspection in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The covering protected the spacecraft from static-charge buildup and contamination while it was in transit from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4272

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers replace the protective cov...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers replace the protective covering around NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft following the spacecraft's post-shipment inspection in the Astrotech p... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A forklift is enlisted to offload the transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Stephen Greenberg, JPL KSC-2014-4252

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A forklift is enlisted to offload ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A forklift is enlisted to offload the transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the J... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to inspect instrument and optics covers on NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a post-shipment inspection. The spacecraft was delivered to the launch site today from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4270

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to inspect instrum...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to inspect instrument and optics covers on NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inspect instrument and optics covers on NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a post-shipment inspection. The spacecraft was delivered to the launch site today from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4271

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inspect instrument and opt...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers inspect instrument and optics covers on NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The truck transporting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4236

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The truck transporting NASA's Soil...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The truck transporting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in Californi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft is offloaded from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California with the aid of a forklift. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4241

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The transportation container prote...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft is offloaded from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laborat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft, enclosed in a transportation container, is offloaded from the truck on which it traveled from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4254

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passiv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft, enclosed in a transportation container, is offloaded from the truck on which it traveled from the Jet Propulsion Lab... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers remove the protective covering from around NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a post-shipment inspection. The covering protected the spacecraft from static-charge buildup and contamination while it was in transit from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4267

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers remove the protective cove...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers remove the protective covering from around NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air For... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The protective covering has been replaced around NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft following the spacecraft's post-shipment inspection in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The covering will protect the spacecraft from static-charge buildup and contamination while it awaits further processing. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4273

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The protective covering has been r...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The protective covering has been replaced around NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft following the spacecraft's post-shipment inspection in the Astrotech... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft is delivered by truck from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4253

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passiv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft is delivered by truck from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway to remove the protective covering from NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a post-shipment inspection. The covering protects the spacecraft from static-charge buildup and contamination. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Rasmison KSC-2014-4266

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway to remov...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway to remove the protective covering from NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft in the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vand... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft is delivered by truck to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4242

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passiv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft is delivered by truck to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMA... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers are standing by to assist with the offloading of NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4239

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers are standing by to assist ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers are standing by to assist with the offloading of NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Lab... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft, still protected in its transportation container, arrives in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, completing its journey from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4245

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passiv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft, still protected in its transportation container, arrives in the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to offload NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4237

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to offload NASA's ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers prepare to offload NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft from the truck that delivered it from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Californi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers push the pallet supporting the transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft into the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SMAP will launch on a Delta II 7320 configuration vehicle featuring a United Launch Alliance first stage booster powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, strap-on solid rocket motors. Once on station in Earth orbit, SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch from Space Launch Complex 2 is targeted for Jan. 29, 2015. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin KSC-2014-4244

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers push the pallet supporting...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers push the pallet supporting the transportation container protecting NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP, spacecraft into the Astrotech payload processing faci... More

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