Image above: An United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) satellite sits poised ready for launch on its Space Launch Complex-2 launch pad here. Image credit: Bill Hartenstein, United Launch Alliance
NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer is rocketing toward orbit aboard a Delta II launch vehicle after a spectacular early-morning liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer is rocketing toward orbit aboard a Delta II launch vehicle after a spectacular early-morning liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
After a smooth countdown, the rocket's main engine and three graphite-epoxy solid-rocket motors roared to life for an on-time liftoff at 6:09 a.m. PST (9:09 a.m. EST).
The WISE spacecraft will circle Earth over the poles, scanning the entire sky one-and-a-half times in nine months. The mission will uncover hidden cosmic objects, including the coolest stars, dark asteroids and the most luminous galaxies.
The WISE spacecraft will circle Earth over the poles, scanning the entire sky one-and-a-half times in nine months. The mission will uncover hidden cosmic objects, including the coolest stars, dark asteroids and the most luminous galaxies.
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