Technicians inside the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Florida, move the STEREO spacecraft to the spin table. The twin observatories recently completed spin tests to check balance and alignment in preparation for flight.

STEREO stands for Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory. The STEREO mission is the first to take measurements of the sun and solar wind in 3-D. This new view will improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on the Earth.

STEREO is expected to lift off on Aug. 31, from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton.

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