KSC-2011-1438

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare the next section of the upper umbilical tower for joining to NASA's Glory spacecraft, already integrated with the upper stack of the Taurus rocket. During liftoff this tower falls away from the spacecraft. The Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus XL rocket will launch 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