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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center



Astrophysics Science Division | Sciences and Exploration

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XRS-2 PhotosLaunch preparations →M-V-6 on Its Launcher

The rocket, tilted at a jaunty 12 degrees from vertical, hangs beside (and slightly below) the launcher rail.   (95K JPEG)

The rocket comes out of its hole, sees its shadow, and goes back in. This is the first test of the launcher with the rocket and spacecraft assembled and ready to fly. Among the tests done here are that the air conditioning system keeps the satellite cool enough in the Kyushu heat. They also test the removal of the air conditioning vent, which will happen 5 minutes before launch.


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Goddard