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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enterprise in California at VAFB. Photo credit: NASA KSC-85PC-179

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enterprise in California at VAFB....

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enterprise in California at VAFB. Photo credit: NASA

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enterprise in California at VAFB. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-85PC-176

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enterprise in California at VAFB....

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Enterprise in California at VAFB. Photo Credit: NASA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The cover of the environmentally controlled container is lifted off NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft after its arrival at Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the hangar, IBEX will be mated with the Pegasus XL rocket for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-08pd3065

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The cover of the environmentally ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The cover of the environmentally controlled container is lifted off NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft after its arrival at Hangar 1555 on Vandenber... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lowers NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft onto a moveable stand. In the hangar, IBEX will be mated with the Pegasus XL rocket for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB KSC-08pd3066

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a crane lowers NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft onto a moveable stand. In the hangar, I... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE , Calif. – On Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of a fairing is being moved to a protected clean room tent where it will be installed around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3020

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE , Calif. – On Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, one half of a fairing is being moved to a protected clean room tent where it will be installed around NASA’s Interstellar Bound... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3023

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room te...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing is ready for installation around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3026

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room ten...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing is ready for installation around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary E... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing is ready for installation around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3025

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room te...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the second half of the fairing is ready for installation around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3022

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room te...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker (right) examines part of the second half of the fairing to be installed around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3027

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room te...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker (right) examines part of the second half of the fairing to be installed around NASA’... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3024

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room ten...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, both halves of the fairing have been installed around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3028

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room te...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, both halves of the fairing have been installed around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers make adjustments before installing the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard a Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3024A

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room te...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Inside a protected clean room tent on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers make adjustments before installing the fairing around NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Ex... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3069

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3071

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3073

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3070

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3072

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3068

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3074

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the runway. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3067

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and attached Pegasus XL roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the runway of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft waits for the arrival of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus will be attached to the aircraft for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3076

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the runway of Vandenberg Air F...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the runway of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft waits for the arrival of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecra... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker paints the name “Mercator” on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. The name Mercator was chosen in honor of Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer (or map maker). In addition to the many maps that he made, he also invented a technique to create terrestrial and celestial globes out of paper mache, allowing for greater production than the carved wooden or brass globes that were previously used. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe, VAFB KSC-08pd3100

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker paints the name “Mercator” on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for N... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker begins painting the name “Mercator” on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. The name Mercator was chosen in honor of Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer (or map maker). In addition to the many maps that he made, he also invented a technique to create terrestrial and celestial globes out of paper mache, allowing for greater production than the carved wooden or brass globes that were previously used. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe, VAFB KSC-08pd3099

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker begins painting the name “Mercator” on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch veh... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The name “Mercator” is boldly displayed on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. The name Mercator was chosen in honor of Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer (or map maker). In addition to the many maps that he made, he also invented a technique to create terrestrial and celestial globes out of paper mache, allowing for greater production than the carved wooden or brass globes that were previously used. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe, VAFB KSC-08pd3102

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The name “Mercator” is boldly dis...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The name “Mercator” is boldly displayed on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In On the runway of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft waits for the arrival of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus will be attached to the aircraft for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19 aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3075

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In On the runway of Vandenberg A...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In On the runway of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft waits for the arrival of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spac... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the name “Mercator” is displayed on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. The name Mercator was chosen in honor of Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer (or map maker). In addition to the many maps that he made, he also invented a technique to create terrestrial and celestial globes out of paper mache, allowing for greater production than the carved wooden or brass globes that were previously used. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe, VAFB KSC-08pd3103

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the name “Mercator” is displayed on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker paints the name “Mercator” on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. The name Mercator was chosen in honor of Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer (or map maker). In addition to the many maps that he made, he also invented a technique to create terrestrial and celestial globes out of paper mache, allowing for greater production than the carved wooden or brass globes that were previously used. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of an L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/R. Bledsoe, VAFB KSC-08pd3101

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Hangar 1555 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker paints the name “Mercator” on the nose of the Pegasus XL rocket. The rocket is the launch vehicle for ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In Hangar 1555, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the rocket-spacecraft will be attached to the L-1011 aircraft. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3104

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In Hangar 1555, work is under way p...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In Hangar 1555, work is under way preparing NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket on its transporter for a trip to the ramp on... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A closeup of Orbital Sciences’ Pegasus XL rocket for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft as it is enroute to the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the rocket will be attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3108

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A closeup of Orbital Sciences’ Peg...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A closeup of Orbital Sciences’ Pegasus XL rocket for NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft as it is enroute to the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in C... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket leave Hangar 1555 on a transporter to head for the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the rocket will be attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3106

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket leave Hangar 1555 on a transporter to head for the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3111

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explor...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted fo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3110

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explor...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3112

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explor...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted fo... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- On the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft is being prepared to receive the Pegasus XL rocket and NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3105

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- On the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- On the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft is being prepared to receive the Pegasus XL rocket and NASA’s Interstellar Bounda... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are transported to the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the rocket will be attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3107

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are transported to the ramp on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the roc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for launch from the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 19. IBEX will be launched aboard the Pegasus rocket dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean. The Pegasus will carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-08pd3109

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explor...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and mated Pegasus XL rocket are being attached to Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft for launch. IBEX is targeted for... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft is ready for departure with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch Oct. 19. The Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3077

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air For...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft is ready for departure with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Boeing 737 aircraft waits to accompany Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft when it takes off with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The L-1011 will head for the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific. The 737 will fly ahead of the L-1011 as a pathfinder. Launch vehicle engineers are aboard in the unlikely event their expertise is needed. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch Oct. 19. The Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3078

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air For...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a Boeing 737 aircraft waits to accompany Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft when it takes off with NASA’s Interstellar... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, which is mated to the Pegasus XL rocket, is attached under the wing of an Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch Oct. 19. The Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3079

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air For...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, which is mated to the Pegasus XL rocket, is attached unde... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, which is mated to the Pegasus XL rocket, is attached under the wing of an Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch Oct. 19. The Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3080

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air For...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, which is mated to the Pegasus XL rocket, is attached unde... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft is ready for departure with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX is targeted for launch Oct. 19. The Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3081

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Fo...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft is ready for departure with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacec... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft begins rolling for takeoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3138

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft begins rolling for takeoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3141

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers make final checks of the Pegasus XL rocket before departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Mated to NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, the Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3135

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Forc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers make final checks of the Pegasus XL rocket before departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3151

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft awaits departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3136

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Forc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft awaits departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Paci... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft awaits departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. In the background at right is the Pathfinder aircraft that will accompany the L-1011 with a contingency crew and launch team members. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3137

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Forc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft awaits departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Paci... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft begins rolling for takeoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3139

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft begins rolling for takeoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft awaits departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, with NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. The Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3134

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Forc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft awaits departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Paci... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers make final checks of the Pegasus XL rocket before departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Mated to NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, the Pegasus is attached under the wing of the aircraft for launch. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3133

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Forc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On the ramp of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers make final checks of the Pegasus XL rocket before departure for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3140

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft (right) taxis on the runway for takeoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. At left is the Pathfinder aircraft that will accompany the L-1011, carrying the contingency crew and launch team members. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-08pd3149

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft (right) taxis on the runway for takeoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Under its wing is NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft and Pegasus XL rocket. Departing from Kwajalein, the Pegasus rocket will be dropped from under the wing of the L-1011 over the Pacific Ocean to carry the spacecraft approximately 130 miles above Earth and place it in orbit. Then, the spacecraft’s own engine will boost it to its final high-altitude orbit (about 200,000 miles high) — most of the way to the Moon. The IBEX satellite will make the first map of the boundary between the Solar System and interstellar space. IBEX science will be led by the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas. IBEX is targeted for launch over the Pacific Oct. 19. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3145

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircra...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Orbital Sciences’ L-1011 aircraft takes off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the Kwajalein Atoll, a part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Und... 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. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arrives at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3500

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arriv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arrives at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Sys... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3499

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is off...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3503

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spac...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from the transporter at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3501

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from the transporter at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by L... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is positioned for movement into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3502

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is pos...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is positioned for movement into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockhee... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3498

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is off...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite is bagged before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1378

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing f...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite is bagged before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1377

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before moving it. NOAA... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before moving it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is built by Lockheed Martin and similar to NOAA-N launched on May 20, 2005. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1376

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing fa...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to place a protective cover around the NOAA-N Prime satellite before movi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the shipping container cover over the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, delivered from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3842

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the shipping container cover over the Orbiting Ca... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Trucks roll onto Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to deliver the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, builder of the spacecraft. The observatory will be taken to Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3837

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Trucks roll onto Vandenberg Air F...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Trucks roll onto Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to deliver the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., b... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, has been moved inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3840

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, has been moved inside the Astrotech payload proc... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers get ready to attach a crane to the shipping container cover over the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, delivered from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3841

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers get ready to attach a crane to the shipping container co... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, arrives at the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After the protective coverings over the spacecraft are removed, blanket preparations and edge taping will be done, followed by mechanical preparations and work on the electronic ground support equipment. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Jan. 15 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-08pd3838

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, arrives at the Astrotech payload processing faci... More

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