BY JUSTIN RAY

Follow the countdown and launch of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket with NASA's Aqua spacecraft. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.

Spaceflight Now Plus
Video coverage for subscribers only:
   VIDEO: AQUA LIFTS OFF FROM VANDENBERG QT or RV
   VIDEO: UMBILICALS FALL AWAY AS AQUA LAUNCHES QT or RV
   VIDEO: PRESS SITE VIEW OF AQUA LAUNCH QT or RV
   VIDEO: LAUNCH PAD VIEW OF AQUA LAUNCH QT or RV
   VIDEO: PRE-LAUNCH PROCESSING OF DELTA ROCKET QT or RV
   VIDEO: AQUA PREPARED FOR LAUNCH AT VANDENBERG QT or RV
   VIDEO: MOBILE SERVICE TOWER IS ROLLED BACK QT or RV
   VIDEO: ANIMATION PREVIEW OF THIS DELTA 2 LAUNCH QT or RV
   VIDEO: ANIMATION OF AQUA WORKING IN SPACE QT or RV
   MORE: COMPLETE SFN+ VIDEO INDEX
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 Pre-launch briefing
Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.

Orbit trace - Maps showing the ground track for the launch.

Aqua - General overview of this NASA spacecraft.

Science goals - Aqua's science objectives and mission goals.

Satellite instruments - Description of each of the six instruments on Aqua.

Delta 2 rocket - Overview of the Delta 2 7920-model rocket used in this launch.

SLC-2W - The launch pad where Delta rockets fly from Vandenberg.

Delta directory - See our coverage of preview Delta rocket flights.
Flight Data File
Vehicle: Delta 2 (7920-10L)
Payload: Aqua
Launch date: May 4, 2002
Launch time: 0954:58-1004:58 GMT (5:54:58-6:04:58 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Satellite broadcast: GE-2, Transponder 9, C-band