Taurus XL Ready to Launch Glory Spacecraft02.08.11
Image above: The Glory spacecraft stands in its processing hangar before it was encapsulated and sent to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Don Kososka, VAFB
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Image above: The Glory spacecraft will launch into a polar orbit that will make it part of the "A-train" of Earth observation satellites. Artist concept credit: NASA
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Image above: Technicians work at the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., as preparations continue for the launch of the Glory mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
› Larger imageThe Glory spacecraft and its Taurus XL launch vehicle are coming together at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California as NASA gets ready to launch its first Launch Services Program mission of 2011.
Researchers are looking for more puzzle pieces to fill out the picture of Earth's climate and Glory was designed to give them the pieces relating to the role tiny particles known as aerosols play in the planet's weather. The spacecraft, about the size of a refrigerator, is also equipped with an instrument to measure the sun's impact on Earth's conditions. Glory is to lift off Feb. 23 at 5:09 a.m. EST.
"The Glory satellite will help us understand the interaction of what's called aerosols in our environment," said Chuong Nguyen, LSP's mission integration manager for Glory.
Officials are preparing the launch of the Glory Mission.
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