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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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, ssembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. Lined up left to right are the Stage 1 and Stage 2 motors, the boattail, the avionics shelf and the Stage 3 motor. The graphite/epoxy boattail structure provides the transition from the smaller diameter of the Stage 2 motor to the larger diameter of the avionics skirt. The avionics skirt, also a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, ssembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. Lin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers do a fit check on the mating of the Stage 1 to Stage 2 motors for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. At right can be seen the avionics shelf. The avionics skirt, a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3868

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers do a fit check on the mating of the Stage 1 to Stage 2 motors for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbi... 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, assembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. In the foreground at left is the boattail; behind it is the Stage 0 Castor 120 motor. At right near the wall (from left) are the Stage 1 and Stage 2 motors, the avionics shelf and the Stage 3 motor. The graphite/epoxy boattail structure provides the transition from the smaller diameter of the Stage 2 motor to the larger diameter of the avionics skirt. The avionics skirt, also a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-08pd3867

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, assembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. In ... 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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft, shipped from spacecraft facilities in Dulles, Va., by Orbital Sciences, is moved into 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-08pd3839

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, is moved into the Astrotech payload processing f... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. 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/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1388

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another view of the NOAA-N Prime satellite in the payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operatio... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers apply blankets and edge tape to the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. 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-08pd3846

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers apply blankets and edge tape to the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. 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-08pd3848

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after bla... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers check the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. 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-08pd3845

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers check the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. After t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. 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-08pd3847

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, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blan... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. 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-08pd3843

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO. 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-08pd3844

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility, building 1032, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers remove the wrapping from around the Orbiting Carbon Obs... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 Pilot Eric Boe examines the underside of the orbiter for any visible damage. The decision to land at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Tschida, VAFB KSC-08pd3878

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards A...

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 Pilot Eric Boe examines the underside of the orbiter for any visible damage. The decision to land at Ed... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members are greeted as they exit the crew transport vehicle after landing aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Leading the crew is Commander Chris Ferguson (right) followed by Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough. The decision to land at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Tschida, VAFB KSC-08pd3876

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 cre...

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members are greeted as they exit the crew transport vehicle after landing aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Leading the crew is Commander C... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson (left) and Pilot Eric Boe examine the tiles on space shuttle Endeavour for any visible damage. The decision to land at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Tschida, VAFB KSC-08pd3879

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards A...

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson (left) and Pilot Eric Boe examine the tiles on space shuttle Endeavour for any... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members are greeted as they exit the crew transport vehicle after landing aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Leading the crew is Commander Chris Ferguson (right) followed by Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Shane Kimbrough. The decision to land at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Tschida, VAFB KSC-08pd3877

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 cre...

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members are greeted as they exit the crew transport vehicle after landing aboard space shuttle Endeavour. Leading the crew is Commander C... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, four of the STS-126 crew members pose for the media. From left are Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialists Shane Kimbrough and Steve Bowen. The decision to land at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Tschida, VAFB KSC-08pd3880

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards A...

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, four of the STS-126 crew members pose for the media. From left are Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson an... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – Against a setting sun, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations on Edwards Air Force Base in California after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operations in earnest about two hours before the shuttle is scheduled to land. Specially designed vehicles or units and a team of trained personnel “safe” the orbiter and prepare it for towing. Purge and Coolant Umbilical Access Vehicles are moved into position behind the orbiter to get access to the umbilical areas. The flight crew is replaced aboard the orbiter by exchange sup¬port personnel who prepare the orbiter for ground tow operations, install switch guards and remove data packages from any onboard experiments. After a total safety downgrade, vehicle ground personnel make numerous preparations for the towing operation, including install¬ing landing gear lock pins, disconnecting the nose landing gear drag link, positioning the towing vehicle in front of the orbiter and connecting the tow bar. The decision to land Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of more than 6.6 million miles in space. Endeavour will be returned to Kennedy atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jetliner. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3888

EDWARDS, Calif. – Against a setting sun, space shuttle Endeavour und...

EDWARDS, Calif. – Against a setting sun, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations on Edwards Air Force Base in California after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operation... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, four of the STS-126 crew members greet the media. From left are Mission Specialist Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Tschida, VAFB KSC-08pd3881

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards ...

EDWARDS, Calif. – After space shuttle Endeavour's landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, four of the STS-126 crew members greet the media. From left are Mission Specialist Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Bo... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – On Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operations in earnest about two hours before the shuttle is scheduled to land. Specially designed vehicles or units and a team of trained personnel “safe” the orbiter and prepare it for towing. Purge and Coolant Umbilical Access Vehicles are moved into position behind the orbiter to get access to the umbilical areas. The flight crew is replaced aboard the orbiter by exchange sup¬port personnel who prepare the orbiter for ground tow operations, install switch guards and remove data packages from any onboard experiments. After a total safety downgrade, vehicle ground personnel make numerous preparations for the towing operation, including install¬ing landing gear lock pins, disconnecting the nose landing gear drag link, positioning the towing vehicle in front of the orbiter and connecting the tow bar. The decision to land Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of more than 6.6 million miles in space. Endeavour will be returned to Kennedy atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jetliner. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3885

EDWARDS, Calif. – On Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shu...

EDWARDS, Calif. – On Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operations in earnest about two... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – On Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operations in earnest about two hours before the shuttle is scheduled to land. Specially designed vehicles or units and a team of trained personnel “safe” the orbiter and prepare it for towing. Purge and Coolant Umbilical Access Vehicles are moved into position behind the orbiter to get access to the umbilical areas. The flight crew is replaced aboard the orbiter by exchange sup¬port personnel who prepare the orbiter for ground tow operations, install switch guards and remove data packages from any onboard experiments. After a total safety downgrade, vehicle ground personnel make numerous preparations for the towing operation, including install¬ing landing gear lock pins, disconnecting the nose landing gear drag link, positioning the towing vehicle in front of the orbiter and connecting the tow bar. The decision to land Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of more than 6.6 million miles in space. Endeavour will be returned to Kennedy atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jetliner. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3886

EDWARDS, Calif. – On Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shu...

EDWARDS, Calif. – On Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operations in earnest about two... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members talk to the media before their departure for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough and Donald Pettit. The decision to land space shuttle Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST on Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3883

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 cr...

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members talk to the media before their departure for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Heidemarie... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members talk to the media before their departure for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough and Donald Pettit. The decision to land space shuttle Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST on Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3882

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 cr...

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, STS-126 crew members talk to the media before their departure for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Heidemarie... More

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, photographers and journalists circle STS-126 crew members before their departure for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The crew took time to talk to the media before they left. The decision to land space shuttle Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST on Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of over 6.6 million miles in space. The STS-126 mission was the 27th flight to the International Space Station, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The mission featured four spacewalks and work to prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3884

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, photograp...

EDWARDS, Calif. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, photographers and journalists circle STS-126 crew members before their departure for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The crew took time to t... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, another solid rocket booster is raised to vertical for installation on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. 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/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1387

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, another solid rocket booster is raised to vertical for installation on the Delta II rocket for the NO... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. 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/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1386

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another solid rocket booster arri...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Another solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed o... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. 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/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1383

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket booster arrives o...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket booster arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is lifted alongside the Delta II rocket for installation. The booster is being prepared for the launch of the NOAA-N Prime satellite. 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/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1385

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is lifted alongside the Delta II rocket for installation. The booster is bein... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is raised to vertical. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and installed on the Delta II rocket for the NOAA-N Prime satellite. 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/Joe Davila, VAFB KSC-2009-1384

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket booster is raised to vertical. The booster will be lifted into the service tower and ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1483

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, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite undergoes solar array illumination. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1482

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime satellite undergoes solar array illumination. NOAA-N Prime is the late... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers complete the solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1485

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers complete the solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Pri... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the NASA payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1484

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, workers conduct solar array illumination on the NOAA-N Prime satellite. NOAA-N Prime is ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting underneath the spacecraft. The DMA is needed to install the payload canister around the spacecraft for the journey to the launch pad. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB KSC-2009-1486

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting underneath the spacecraft. The DMA is needed to install the payload canister around the spacecraft for the journey to the launch pad. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB KSC-2009-1487

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fittin... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is waiting for a transportation canister to be placed around it. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1452

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is waiting for a transportation canister to be placed around it. NOAA-N Prime is the ... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1150

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processi...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with ... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1149

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processin...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to fuel NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with h... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place another lower segment of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1454

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place another lower segment of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two rows of the transportation canister are installed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1457

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, two rows of the transportation canister are installed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the lat... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a second-row segment of a transportation canister is put in place for installation around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1456

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a second-row segment of a transportation canister is put in place for installation around the NOAA-N Prime spacecr... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide an upper segment of the transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1458

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers guide an upper segment of the transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers help guide a second-row segment of a transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft for installation. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1455

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers help guide a second-row segment of a transportation canister toward the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft for instal... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a transportation canister is being placed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1451

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Ai...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a transportation canister is being placed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-o... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1152

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processi...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is encased inside a transportation canister. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1459

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is encased inside a transportation canister. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting... More

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, with hydrazine thruster control propellant. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The OCO mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. The launch of OCO is scheduled for Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. Photo credit: Robert Hargreaves Jr., VAFB KSC-2009-1151

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processi...

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician monitors data during fueling of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place the first of the lower segments of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1453

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers place the first of the lower segments of a transportation canister around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. N... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lifted off its stand. It will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1449

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lifted off its stand. It will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers begin attaching a protective cover over the transportation cover of the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. The spacecraft will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1448

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers begin attaching a protective cover over the transportation cover of the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft. The space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lowered onto a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1450

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the covered NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is lowered onto a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting oper... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A transportation canister surrounds the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be moved to a transporter. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1447

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A transportation canister surrou...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A transportation canister surrounds the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in Bldg. 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft will be moved to a transporter. NO... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container will be lifted into the mobile service tower for encapsulation and installation on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1488

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, arrives on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The container will be lifted ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1490

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is lifted to the top of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1492

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is li...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite is lifted to the top of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satelli... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1491

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enc...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is lifted alongside the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Calif... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is prepared for its lift into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In the tower, the satellite will be encapsulated and installed on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1489

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, encl...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The NOAA-N Prime satellite, enclosed in a canister for travel, is prepared for its lift into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is set up for an RF and other tests. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/ Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-1460

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 2 at V...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is set up for an RF and other tests. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-o... More

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is closed out for encapsulation and installation on the launch vehicle, a Delta II rocket. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard the Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1494

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the mobile service tower on S...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is closed out for encapsulation and installati... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The second half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. 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. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard the Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1496

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The second half of the fairing i...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The second half of the fairing is moved into place around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The two halves of the fairing are closed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. 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. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite is scheduled to launch Feb. 4 aboard the Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley, VAFB KSC-2009-1497

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The two halves of the fairing a...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The two halves of the fairing are closed around the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft in the launch service tower on Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Californi... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO, a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1552

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for ... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, called OCO, a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1551

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a worker checks the integration of the Taurus XL Stages 1 and 2. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for ... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, which is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is scheduled to launch Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1559

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, which is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is scheduled to launch Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1558

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is the launch vehicle for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, which is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is scheduled to launch Feb. 23 from Vandenberg. The spacecraft will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This improved understanding will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth's climate. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB KSC-2009-1560

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Stage 1, 2 and 3 motors of the Taurus XL rocket are being prepared for transfer to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Taurus is... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tape were applied. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1557

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed after blankets and edge tap... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are transported from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1654

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scie...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are transported from Building 1555 to Space Launch Complex 57... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are parked under a tent at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OCO is an Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists will analyze the data returned to better understand the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. Launch is targeted for 1:51:30 a.m. PST Feb. 24. Photo credit: VAFB KSC-2009-1656

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Scie...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Stages 1, 2 and 3 of Orbital Sciences’ Taurus XL launch vehicle for NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, are parked under a tent at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vand... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The observatory is targeted to launch Feb. 23 from Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-1554

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

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, is displayed. The OCO is a new Earth-or... More

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