KSC-2009-1608
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --The Encapsulated Cargo Element containing NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, lowered to a horizontal position on a transporter, is moved under a protective tent after arrival at Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch aboard Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket on 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
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Details
NASA ID
KSC-2009-1608
Date Created
February 10, 2009
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Vandenberg AFB, CA
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