KSC-2014-3362
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – This view from the exhaust duct beneath Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California reveals the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, undergoing processing in the mobile service tower. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin
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Details
NASA ID
KSC-2014-3362
Date Created
August 4, 2014
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Vandenberg AFB, CA
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