
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – On Space Launch Complex 2, the Ocean Surface Topography Mission, or OSTM/Jason 2, spacecraft is moved into the mobile service tower for mating with its Delta II launch vehicle. The launch is scheduled for June 20 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch window extends from 12:46 a.m. to 12:55 a.m. PDT. The satellite will be placed in an 830-mile-high orbit at an inclination of 66 degrees after separating from the Delta II 55 minutes after liftoff. The five primary science instruments of the Ocean Surface Topography Mission aboard the Jason 2 spacecraft are dedicated to measuring the height of the ocean surface. These measurements will be used to evaluate and forecast climate changes and improve weather forecasting. The results also are expected to help forecasters better predict hurricane intensity.
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NASA ID
KSC-08pd1783
Date Created
June 10, 2008
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Vandenberg AFB, CA
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