KSC-2011-1386

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer, or P-POD, assembly is imaged wrapped in its thermal insulation blanket and sheeting and the attached Anodized gold aluminum bracket interface. The bracket is the connection point between the P-POD and the aft end of the Taurus rocket's third stage. The P-POD holds three CubeSats or tiny satellites, designed and created by university and college students that will be carried on the Taurus rocket along with the Glory spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will carry Glory into low Earth orbit. 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