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
Location Vandenberg AFB, CA
Date March 21, 2011