A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, set to launch June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Delta II rocket with it's Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload is seen as the service structure is rolled back on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, set to launch June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The Delta II rocket with it's Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload is seen shortly after the service structure is rolled back on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, set to launch June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Conrado Varotto, CONAE Executive and Technical Director, Buenos Aires, talks during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Michael Freilich, NASA Earth Science Division Director, NASA Headquarters, talks during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Charles Gay, Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA Science Mission Directorate, talks during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Michael Freilich, NASA Earth Science Division Director, NASA Headquarters, talks during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Hector Timerman, Foreign Minister of Argentina, Buenos Aires, talks during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Conrado Varotto, CONAE Executive and Technical Director, Buenos Aires, looks on as other panelest speak during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Conrado Varotto, CONAE Executive and Technical Director, Buenos Aires, talks during the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Hector Timerman, Foreign Minister of Argentina, Buenos Aires, left, Michael Freilich, NASA Earth Science Division Director, NASA Headquarters, Washington, center, and Conrado Varotto, CONAE Executive and Technical Director, Buenos Aires, laugh at the start of the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
From left, George Diller, NASA Public Affairs Officer; Charles Gay, Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA Science Mission Directorate; Hector Timerman, Foreign Minister of Argentina, Buenos Aires; Michael Freilich, NASA Earth Science Division Director, NASA Headquarters; and Conrado Varotto, CONAE Executive and Technical Director, Buenos Aires, are seen at the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Seated from left, George Diller, NASA Public Affairs Officer; Charles Gay, Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA Science Mission Directorate; Hector Timerman, Foreign Minister of Argentina, Buenos Aires; Michael Freilich, NASA Earth Science Division Director, NASA Headquarters; and Conrado Varotto, CONAE Executive and Technical Director, Buenos Aires, are seen at the Aquarius/SAC-D post-launch press conference on Friday, June 10, 2011 at the NASA Resident Office, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The joint U.S./Argentinian Aquarius/Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D mission, launched earlier on Friday June 10, will map the salinity at the ocean surface, information critical to improving our understanding of two major components of Earth's climate system: the water cycle and ocean circulation. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Aquarius Principal Investigator Gary Lagerloef photographed in front of the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite observatory as it is being readied for transportation from Brazil to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for a June 2011 launch.
A Delta II rocket launches with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft payload from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on Friday, June 10, 2011.
A reporter asks a question to the panel of scientists assembled at the Aquarius/SAC-D press conference on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Seated from left are Eric Lindstrom, Aquarius Program Scientist, NASA Headquarters; Eric Ianson, Aquarius Program Executive, NASA Headquarters; Gary Lagerloef, Aquarius Principal Investigator, Earth & Space Research, Seattle; Amit Sen, Aquarius Project Manager, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Daniel Caruso, SAC-D Project Manager, CONAE, Argentina. The mission will study the salinity of the Earth's oceans from space. Aquarius/SAC-D is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, has been delivered to Space Launch Complex-2. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
Daniel Caruso, SAC-D Project Manager, CONAE, Argentina, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Daniel Caruso, SAC-D Project Manager, CONAE, Argentina, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has moved away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop in preparation for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California slowly moves away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop in preparation for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has moved away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop in preparation for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has moved away from the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop in preparation for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop is prepared for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is ready to roll away to reveal the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft atop in preparation for launch. Liftoff is slated for 7:20 PDT/10:20 EDT today. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. For more information visit: www.nasa.gov/aquarius. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare to install the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into the United Launch Alliance’s Delta II payload fairing. Aquarius will be integrated to the Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician secures the United Launch Alliance’s Delta II payload fairing around the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Aquarius will be integrated to the Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure the United Launch Alliance’s Delta II payload fairing around the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Aquarius will be integrated to the Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers prepare the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft for fairing installation. Aquarius will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers monitor the progress as the United Launch Alliance’s Delta II payload fairing closes around the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Aquarius will be integrated to the Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians secure the United Launch Alliance’s Delta II payload fairing around the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Aquarius will be integrated to the Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Inside the mobile service tower at NASA's Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is secure inside the United Launch Alliance’s Delta II payload fairing. Aquarius will be integrated to the Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9 liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
Gary Lagerloef, left, Aquarius Principal Investigator, Earth & Space Research, Seattle, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Eric Lindstrom, left, Aquarius Program Scientist, NASA Headquarters, talks about NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Gary Lagerloef, right, Aquarius Principal Investigator, Earth & Space Research, Seattle, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Amit Sen, Aquarius Project Manager, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Eric Ianson, Aquarius Program Executive, NASA Headquarters, talks about NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Amit Sen, center, Aquarius Project Manager, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Gary Lagerloef, Aquarius Principal Investigator, Earth & Space Research, Seattle, speaks at a press conference on NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Eric Lindstrom, left, Aquarius Program Scientist, NASA Headquarters, talks about NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D mission to study the salinity of Earth's oceans from space on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency Comision Nacional de Actividades Especiales (CONAE), with participation from Brazil, Canada, France and Italy. The Aquarius/SAC-D observatory will launch June 9, 2011 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite into low Earth orbit arrives to the launch pad at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers prepare the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, for its vertical lift into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers using an overhead crane lower the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor toward the first stage for mating at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit is being prepared for its vertical lift into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the help of an overhead crane workers lift the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor to the top of the service tower for mating with the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the help of an overhead crane workers lift the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor to the top of the service tower for mating with the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers prepare the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor for lifting into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers guide the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers guide the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is moved away from the service tower as workers prepare to lift the second stage to the top of the tower for mating with the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With the aid of an overhead crane, workers lift the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that will carry the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into low Earth orbit, into the service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, on its three-year mission, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach cables from an overhead crane to the United Launch Alliance Delta II second stage motor for mating to the first stage at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Following final tests, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft will be integrated to the Delta II launch vehicle in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians guide an overhead crane lowering the second solar array toward the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, is being transferred to NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers attach an overhead crane to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, for lifting into the mobile service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to test the second solar array after integration to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, is being transferred to Space Launch Complex-2. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians begin to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have suspended a platform over the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft to allow access for the installation of the second solar array. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians perform blanket work in the vicinity of the dual-thruster modules on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is rotated for the final time into a vertical position prior to its installation into a transportation canister. Following delivery to the launch pad, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a vertical position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians on suspended platforms are preparing to install the second solar array to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to test the solar array after its integration to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An overhead crane lifts the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, secured inside its payload transportation canister, into the mobile service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to rotate the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician measures the clearance between the solar panel and a dual-thruster module after the array was installed to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Workers remove the payload transportation canister from the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft, after it was lifted into the mobile service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians have rotated the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft into a horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians perform blanket work in the vicinity of the dual-thruster modules on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians attach an overhead crane to the second solar array that will be integrated to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to test the solar array after it was integrated to the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians are rotating the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft from a vertical to horizontal position for testing. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians configure antenna hats in preparation for system tests on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is rotated for the final time into a vertical position prior to its installation into a transportation canister. Following delivery to the launch pad, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In Space Systems International's Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to close the solar arrays on the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June launch. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft is secured inside its payload transportation canister for transfer to NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There, the spacecraft will be integrated to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June liftoff. Aquarius, the NASA-built instrument on the SAC-D spacecraft, will provide new insights into how variations in ocean surface salinity relate to fundamental climate processes on its three-year mission. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB