WEBVTT

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A two-stage United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is set to carry the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite to

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space -- its mission, to map the salinity at the ocean surface and provide new insights into how the

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massive natural exchange of freshwater between the ocean,

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atmosphere and sea ice influences ocean circulation, weather and climate.

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At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California the first stage of the Delta II rocket arrived and was

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lifted into the mobile service tower at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2, March 1, 2011.

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Within 3 weeks the three solid rocket boosters were attached and the second stage hoisted atop the first stage.

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Meanwhile, the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft arrived from South America aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo

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aircraft on March 30 where it was offloaded and transported to the

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Spaceport Systems International payload processing facility on Vandenberg.

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The Aquarius/SAC-D mission is a collaboration between NASA and Argentina's space agency with

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participation by Brazil, Canada, France and Italy.

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Once in its processing cell, the spacecraft was hoisted onto the handling dolly and inspection of the

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solar arrays and testing of the vehicle's propulsion subsystem began.

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Later the satellite was rotated to a vertical position for further testing.

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By the beginning of May the solar arrays were attached and deployment and illumination testing was conducted.

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Back at Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II first stage was loaded with liquid oxygen and a simulated countdown test followed.

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The Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft was then installed into its transportation canister, moved from the

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payload processing facility at Vandenberg and hoisted atop the Delta II rocket.

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An integrated electrical test to ensure the Delta II "communicated" with the Aquarius/SAC-D spacecraft

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was successfully completed and the protective fairing then was installed around the satellite.

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With these prelaunch milestones complete, Aquarius/SAC-D and the Delta II are ready for launch on June 10,

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beginning a three-year mission to circle the Earth shedding light on the links between salt and climate.

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From Vandenberg Air Force Base in 
California, I'm George Diller

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