Delta II ICESat-2 Stars on First Stage Booster

Stars are in view on the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket at Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, on Sept. 13, 2018. Historically, each Delta rocket used to notate the number of launches within the program, beginning in May, 1960, with the first Delta I. This practice was brought back for the final Delta II launch of ICESat-2. The “381” on the rocket signifies that this will be the 381st flight in the Delta family. A star traditionally was placed on the rocket to recognize each mission. For the final Delta II, stars were sent to team members and partners throughout the nation. This rocket boasts more than 150 stars with over 800 signatures of people who have been part of the Delta II program.