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| Original photo posted at http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=161 (#KSC-06PD-2394) The Delta II launch vehicle carrying the STEREO spacecraft hurtles through the smoke and steam after liftoff from Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff was at 8:52 p.m. EDT. STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) is a two-year mission using two nearly identical observatories, one ahead of Earth in its orbit and the other trailing behind. The duo will provide 3-D measurements of the sun and its flow of energy, enabling scientists to study the nature of coronal mass ejections and why they happen. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett To save photo: |