The final countdown to the Aura Launch is now underway. The spacecraft was driven out to the pad and lifted to the top of its Delta II rocket on June 22. It’s called lift and mate, and it's a pretty delicate process. The spacecraft is packed with cutting edge scientific equipment to look at the Earth's atmosphere, so workers are extremely careful in making sure that the lifting operation runs very smoothly. Aura's lift and mate went off without a hitch, and now the satellite is ready to go into orbit on July 10. There's a few last minute tests that are taking place, but so far Aura is in excellent shape and ready to launch. You can keep up to date on the latest status of the Aura launch by visiting www.nasa.gov. While you're there, log on to NASA Direct_ for a preview of NASA's live Aura webcast. .
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NASA ID
ksc_070204_auratp2
Date Created
July 7, 2004
Center
KSC
Media Type
video
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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