KSC-2011-1559
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers in a bucket conduct closeout procedures on the Taurus XL rocket in preparations for liftoff. Around the spacecraft's fairing, at top, is the non-flight environmental shield that will be removed before launch. The Orbital Sciences 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
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Details
NASA ID
KSC-2011-1559
Date Created
February 21, 2011
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Vandenberg AFB, CA
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