Monday, August 08, 2016

OSIRIS-REx Update: Only One Month Till Launch!

The Atlas V payload fairing that will enshroud the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft during launch is in storage inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA / United Launch Alliance

Last week, the components for the Atlas V 411 rocket that will send the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on its way to asteroid Bennu arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. While OSIRIS-REx itself undergoes final preps for launch (it was loaded with fuel last week), the Atlas V will begin stacking operations inside Space Launch Complex 41's Vertical Integration Facility at CCAFS today. OSIRIS-REx will be encapsulated inside the rocket's payload fairing on August 24-25 and join Atlas V at the pad on August 29. The excitement is building... September 8 can't come soon enough!

The barge carrying components for OSIRIS-REx's Atlas V rocket is about to dock at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
NASA / United Launch Alliance

The Centaur second stage motor that will give OSIRIS-REx its final boost towards asteroid Bennu is transported to Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
NASA / United Launch Alliance

The Atlas V first stage booster that will begin OSIRIS-REx's mission is about to be transported to SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
NASA / United Launch Alliance

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