Inspection work on THEMIS at Astrotech

At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians adjust connections of the overhead crane on one of the THEMIS probes. The probe and its other four mates will be lifted and installed on the probe carrier in the background. The probes will then undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.