14 DAY TRIAL // This new image released by NASA shows the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite and its Delta II delivery system at their launch pad, ready for takeoff later today, NASA reports.
The delivery system is scheduled to take off at 2:48 am PDT/ 5:48 am EDT (0701 GMT), from the Vandenberg Air Force Station (VAFB), in California. It is one of the most complex climate and weather satellites ever built and deployed.
Yesterday, VAFB weather officials announced that there is a nearly-zero chance for bad weather to affect this morning's launch. The Delta II rocket has been fueled, and has successfully completed final checkouts.
Data collected by the NPP will enable scientists to make more accurate short-term predictions, while at the same time improving their ability to survey climate change in the long run.