KSC-2011-1103

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers on Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California prepare for the arrival of the Stage 0 motor of the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket. Once at the pad, Stage 0 will be hoisted into its launch position. As part of the four-stage Taurus XL rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit, stages 1, 2 and 3 will join Stage 0 at the launch pad about a week later. Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB