The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) satellite aboard lifts off from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.The WISE spacecraft continues to send back data from orbit, confirming that the vents on the cooling tank, or cryostat, have opened, the spacecraft has stabilized its position, and its solar panels are providing power.
A Delta II rocket boosted WISE into space at 6:09 a.m. PST (9:09 a.m. EST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After a coast phase and second stage re-fire, the spacecraft separated from the vehicle and began sending signals back to Earth by way of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System.
With its mission now under way, the 1,485-pound 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.
A Delta II rocket boosted WISE into space at 6:09 a.m. PST (9:09 a.m. EST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After a coast phase and second stage re-fire, the spacecraft separated from the vehicle and began sending signals back to Earth by way of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System.
With its mission now under way, the 1,485-pound 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.
