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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory and its Taurus booster lift off Feb. 24 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 4:55 a.m. EST. A contingency was declared a few minutes later and the satellite failed to reach orbit after liftoff. Preliminary indications are that the fairing on the Taurus XL launch vehicle failed to separate. The fairing is a clamshell structure that encapsulates the satellite as it travels through the atmosphere. A Mishap Investigation Board is being set up to determine the cause of the launch failure. Photo courtesy of Orbital Sciences KSC-2009-1827

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observato...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory and its Taurus booster lift off Feb. 24 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 4:55 a.m. EST. A contingency was declared a few m... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first stage motor for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket waits to be moved inside. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3873

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first stage motor for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket waits to ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first, second and third stage motors for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket are lined up after arrival. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3875

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Orbital Sciences payload ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the first, second and third stage motors for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus X... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the second (right) and third stage motors of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3871

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payloa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the second (right) and third stage motors of the Taurus XL... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the third stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3870

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers offload the third stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A truck arrives at the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying the first, second and third stage motors for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3869

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A truck arrives at the Orbital S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A truck arrives at the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying the first, second and third stage motors for the lau... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unstrap the newly arrived second (left) and first stage motors for the Glory spacecraft's Taurus XL rocket. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3874

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers unstrap the newly arrived second (left) and first stage motors for t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the second stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009 into the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Glory is a low-Earth orbit scientific research satellite designed to collect data on the properties and distributions of aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record. Glory will be launched from Vandenberg aboard Orbital's Taurus XL 3110 launch vehicle. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3872

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the second stage mo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the second stage motor of the Taurus XL rocket for the launch of the Glory spacecraft in June 2009 into the Orbital Sciences payload processing facility on Van... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences technicians conduct an ultraviolet light cleanliness inspection on the payload load isolators of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, before installation on the ballast ring. From left are Dana Frederic, Bill Nelson and Randy Bone. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for Feb. 24 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Richard Nielsen, KSC KSC-2009-1624

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences technicians conduct an ultraviolet light cleanliness inspection... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an Orbital Sciences technician connects ground wires to the Stage 3 motor of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. The encapsulated cargo element containing the observatory is integrated with the vehicle. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for Feb. 24 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: VAFB/Wayne North KSC-2009-1627

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, an Orbital Sciences technician connects ground wires to the Stage 3 motor of the Taurus XL launch v... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, scaffolding is built around Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, stacked on the launch mount. An umbilical tower is being erected on the pad using the portable crane. Stage 0 utilizes a Castor 120 Motor. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for Feb. 24 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: VAFB/Wayne North KSC-2009-1626

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, scaffolding is built around Stage 0 of the Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Obse... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes raise NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft to vertical for attachment to the waiting Stage 0 motor of the Taurus XL launch vehicle in the tower. The OCO is attached to the upper stack, consisting of Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Taurus. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1684

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vanden...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes raise NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft to vertical for attachment to the... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes have raised NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft to vertical. OCO will be lifted and attached to the waiting Stage 0 motor of the Taurus XL launch vehicle in the tower. The OCO is attached to the upper stack, consisting of Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Taurus. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1685

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vanden...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes have raised NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft to vertical. OCO will be l... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes raise NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft to vertical for attachment to the waiting Stage 0 motor of the Taurus XL launch vehicle in the tower. The OCO is attached to the upper stack, consisting of Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Taurus. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1683

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes raise NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft to vertical for attachment to th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, cranes wait in the early morning hours for winds to subside in order to lift the tent that covers NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, the Taurus XL upper stack and the umbilical tower. The upper stack, consists of stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Taurus. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1677

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, cranes wait in the early morning hours for winds to subside in order to lift the tent that covers NASA's... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Just before dawn on Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane is attached to the tent covering NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, the Taurus XL upper stack and the umbilical tower. The tent will be removed to allow OCO to be raised. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1678

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Just before dawn on Launch Compl...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Just before dawn on Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane is attached to the tent covering NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, th... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Just before dawn on Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the tent covering (at left) NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, the Taurus XL upper stack and the umbilical tower. The tent removal will allow OCO to be raised. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1679

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Just before dawn on Launch Compl...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Just before dawn on Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lifts the tent covering (at left) NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes are used to lift NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. It will be raised to vertical and attached to the waiting Stage 0 motor of the Taurus XL launch vehicle in the tower. The OCO is attached to the upper stack, consisting of Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the Taurus. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket Feb. 24 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1682

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vande...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two cranes are used to lift NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. It will be raised t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1107

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With Stage 0 of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL in launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians inch close to the crane that moved it into position in order to unlatch the two pieces of machinery. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1112

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With Stage 0 of the Orbital Scien...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With Stage 0 of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL in launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians inch close to t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is ready to be moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1108

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is ready to be moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1106

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1111

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers adjust the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1172

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers adjust the Stage 0 motor ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers adjust the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As pa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1170

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is hoisted into launch position by crane at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1173

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the Stage 0 motor of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers move the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kosoksa, VAFB KSC-2011-1171

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL is moved into launch position on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As part of ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is moved to a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. In early February, the spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the pad, where it will be attached to the third stage and then stacked atop the remaining stages. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1247

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is moved to a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Co... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket leaves Building 1555 for Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1249

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisti...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket leaves Building 1555 for Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Forc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E from Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1250

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisti...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 576-E from Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E from Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2011-1252

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisti...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket arrives at a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Comple... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is on a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex 576-E. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit. In early February, the spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the pad, where it will be attached to the third stage and then stacked atop the remaining stages. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2011-1248

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Taurus XL rocket's Stage 3 motor is on a stationary rail in a temporary processing tent near the pad at Space Launch Complex ... More