Three Tries Before Launch
It took three attempts to launch the JPSS-1 weather satellite. High winds and boats within the launch safety range offshore prevented two earlier attempts.
Ready for Take-Off
With the Mobile Service Tower rolled away, the Delta II rocket is ready to carry the JPSS-1 satellite into orbit for NASA and NOAA.
A Once Over
On Oct. 8, 2015, technicians examined the JPSS-1 satellite during a Launch Configuration Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) test. The EMI test evaluates expected electromagnetic radiation at the launch site.
Passing the Test
On March 29, 2016, JPSS-1 successfully completed a pop and catch deployment test.
By Any Other Name
Here, JPSS-1 is prepared for another round of tests in the acoustic testing chamber in Boulder, Colorado at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.'s Fisher Integration Center. Once it launches, the satellite will be called NOAA-20. After the craft launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, it will orbit Earth, providing full global coverage twice a day.
And More Tests
At Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.'s Fisher Integration Center, JPSS-1 went through more tests inside the EMI/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) chamber.
Together Again
JPSS-1 was restored to its full capacity when engineers reinstalled its Spacecraft Control Processor (SCP2) at the Boulder, Colorado facility.
First Steps in Preparation
Inside Hangar 836 at Vandenberg AFB, technicians removed the Delta II rocket first stage cover as they prepared for the JPSS-1 launch.
Ready for the Road
Inside NASA Hangar 836, the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket was placed on a trailer in preparation for the JPSS-1 launch.
On the Road
The ULA Delta II rocket's first stage makes the journey on a truck from Vandenberg AFB to Space Launch Complex 2.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
