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Atlas V for Next NASA Moon M …
The Atlas V first stage for …
4/27/09
Description The Atlas V first stage for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission was moved on April 27 from its hangar to the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The Centaur upper stage followed on April 30 for stacking atop the Atlas rocket. Launch preparations now will begin for a liftoff targeted for no earlier than June 2. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will orbit the poles of the moon for up to five years surveying and mapping its surface. The Centaur stage of this Atlas V has a unique role of continuing to the moon with LCROSS to impact the lunar surface shortly after arrival. Scientists will observe the subsurface material that is ejected, particularly looking for ice and minerals.
Date 4/27/09
This picture of Venus was ca …
Description This picture of Venus was captured by the Mariner 10 spacecraft during its approach to the planet in early 1974. Taken with the spacecraft's imaging system using an ultraviolet filter, the picture has been color enhanced to simulate Venus's natural color as the human eye would see it. Although the planet closest to the Earth in size and distance from the Sun, Venus is perpetually blanketed by a thick veil of clouds high in carbon dioxide, its surface temperature approaches 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Launched on November 3, 1973 atop an Atlas Centaur rocket, Mariner 10 flew by Venus on February 5, 1974. It then went on to an encounter with Mercury, thus becoming the first spacecraft ever to fly by more than one planet. Mariner 10 was designed, built and managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications.
Mercury-Atlas Test Launch
Title Mercury-Atlas Test Launch
Full Description A NASA Project Mercury spacecraft was test launched at 11:15 AM EST on April 25, 1961 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in a test designed to qualify the Mercury Spacecraft and all systems, which must function during orbit and reentry from orbit. The Mercury-Atlas vehicle was destroyed by Range Safety Officer about 40 seconds after liftoff. The spacecraft was recovered and appeared to be in good condition. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched both Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002.
Date 04/25/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
First Mercury-Atlas Attempte …
Title First Mercury-Atlas Attempted Launch
Full Description An Atlas vehicle is shown as it is raised into its launch gantry. This Atlas attempted to launch a Mercury spacecraft (without any astronauts aboard) into orbital flight. The launch vehicle developed 360,000 pounds of thrust and burned RP-1, a kerosene-like fuel, and liquid oxygen. It was about 60 feet in length and 10 feet in diameter at the tank section. This was the first attempt by NASA to put a Mercury spacecraft into Earth orbit. Unfortunately, this Atlas exploded at launch. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002.
Date 04/23/1961
NASA Center Headquarters
Surveyor 1 Launch
Title Surveyor 1 Launch
Full Description The Atlas-Centaur 10, carrying the Surveyor 1 spacecraft, lifting off from Pad 36A. The Surveyor 1 mission scouted the lunar surface for future Apollo manned lunar landing sites.
Date 5/30/1966
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Intelsat IV-F5 Launch
Title Intelsat IV-F5 Launch
Full Description An Atlas-Centaur space vehicle lifted off at 5:53 p.m. EDT, June 13, 1972, from Complex 36B carrying an Intelsat Communications Satellite, (Intelsat IV-F5) into Earth orbit. Visible in the foreground is the lighthouse located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Date 6/13/1972
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Unloading Atlas Launch Vehic …
Title Unloading Atlas Launch Vehicle
Full Description The Atlas launch vehicle is shown being unloaded at Cape Canaveral, Florida. This vehicle was expected to launch a Mercury spacecraft (without any astronauts aboard), built by McDonnell Aircraft Corp., into orbit. The Atlas attempted to place the Mercury spacecraft into its first orbital flight. The spacecraft was supposed to be launched in an orbital flight path and reentry was to be initiated about 90 minutes later as the craft neared the end of the first orbit. Unfortunately, this Atlas exploded at launch. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched both Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002.
Date 04/23/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Launch of Mercury-Atlas
Title Launch of Mercury-Atlas
Full Description In this Project Mercury test, a spacecraft booster by a modified Atlas was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Mercury capsule reached a peak altitude of 107 statute miles and landed 1.425 miles down range. Atlas was designed to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, geosynchronous transfer orbit or geosynchronous orbit. NASA first launched Atlas as a space launch vehicle in 1958. Project SCORE, the first communications satellite that transmitted President Eisenhower's pre-recorded Christmas speech around the world, was launched on an Atlas. For all three robotic lunar exploration programs, Atlas was used. Atlas/ Centaur vehicles launched both Mariner and Pioneer planetary probes. The current operational Atlas II family has a 100% mission success rating. For more information about Atlas, please see Chapter 2 in Roger Launius and Dennis Jenkins' book To Reach the High Frontier published by The University Press of Kentucky in 2002 (in which Dennis Jenkins notes on page 98 that "as a space launch vehicle there is no question that Atlas has made a mark for itself, and a great deal of money for its manufacturers").
Date 02/21/1961
NASA Center Kennedy Space Center
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Spacecraft illustration -- S …
Description Spacecraft illustration -- SOHO was launched in December 1995 by an Atlas Centaur rocket and became operational in March 1996. SOHO weighs about two tons and with its solar panels extended stands about 25 feet across. It was launched in December, 1995. SOHO will continue operating well past the next solar maximum in 2001.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Spacecraft illustration -- S …
Description Spacecraft illustration -- SOHO was launched in December 1995 by an Atlas Centaur rocket and became operational in March 1996. SOHO weighs about two tons and with its solar panels extended stands about 25 feet across. It was launched in December, 1995. SOHO will continue operating well past the next solar maximum in 2001. (Image credit: Alex Lutkus)
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Spacecraft illustration -- S …
Description Spacecraft illustration -- SOHO was launched in December 1995 by an Atlas Centaur rocket and became operational in March 1996. SOHO weighs about two tons and with its solar panels extended stands about 25 feet across. It was launched in December, 1995. SOHO will continue operating well past the next solar maximum in 2001. (Image credit: Alex Lutkus)
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Spacecraft illustration -- S …
Description Spacecraft illustration -- SOHO was launched in December 1995 by an Atlas Centaur rocket and became operational in March 1996. SOHO weighs about two tons and with its solar panels extended stands about 25 feet across. It was launched in December, 1995. SOHO will continue operating well past the next solar maximum in 2001. (Image credit: Alex Lutkus)
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
Views of the spacecraft: -Va …
Description Views of the spacecraft: -Various SOHO images from the time that ESA engineers were building the spacecraft. Besides the work performed at Matra Marconi facilities, the SOHO spacecraft was prepared for launch at the SAEF-2 facility of the Kennedy Space Center before being fueled and encapsulated on top of the Atlas-Centaur AC-121 on pad 36B.
High Energy Astronomy Observ …
Name of Image High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1982-01-01
Full Description This artist's concept depicts the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 in orbit. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978. The HEAO-2 was originally identified as HEAO-B but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.
High Energy Astronomy Observ …
Name of Image High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1975-07-01
Full Description This illustration is a schematic of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 and its experiments. It shows the focal plane instruments (at the right) plus the associated electronics for operating the telescope as it transmitted its observations to the ground. A fifth instrument, the Monitor Proportional Counter, is located near the front of the telescope. Four separate astronomical instruments are located at the focus of this telescope and they could be interchanged for different types of observations as the observatory pointed at interesting areas of the Sky. Two of these instruments produced images, a High Resolution Imaging Detector and an Imaging Proportional Counter. The other two instruments, the Solid State Spectrometer and the Crystal Spectrometer, measured the spectra of x-ray objects. A fifth instrument, the Monitor Proportional Counter, continuously viewed space independently to study a wider band of x-ray wavelengths and to examine the rapid time variations in the sources. The HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978. The HEAO-2 was originally identified as HEAO-B but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.
High Energy Astronomy Observ …
Name of Image High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1
Date of Image 1982-01-01
Full Description This artist's conception depicts the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1 in orbit. The first observatory, designated HEAO-1, was launched on August 12, 1977 aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle and was designed to survey the sky for additional x-ray and gamma-ray sources as well as pinpointing their positions. The HEAO-1 was originally identified as HEAO-A but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit. The HEAO project involved the launching of three unmarned scientific observatories into low Earth orbit between 1977 and 1979 to study some of the most intriguing mysteries of the universe, pulsars, black holes, neutron stars, and super nova. Hardware support for the imaging instruments was provided by American Science and Engineeing. The HEAO spacecraft were built by TRW, Inc. under project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center.
Atlas/Centaur Launch Vehicle …
Name of Image Atlas/Centaur Launch Vehicle on the Launch Pad
Date of Image 1977-08-01
Full Description This picture is of an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, carrying the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1, on Launch Complex 36 at the Air Force Eastern Test Range prior to launch on August 12, 1977. The Kennedy Space Center managed the launch operations that included a pre-aunch checkout, launch, and flight, up through the observatory separation in orbit.
High Energy Astronomy Observ …
Name of Image High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1
Date of Image 1978-01-01
Full Description This drawing is a schematic of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1. The first observatory, designated HEAO-1, was launched on August 12, 1977 aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle and was designed to survey the sky for additional x-ray and gamma-ray sources as well as pinpointing their positions. The HEAO-1 was originally identified as HEAO-A but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit. The HEAO project involved the launching of three unmarned scientific observatories into low Earth orbit between 1977 and 1979 to study some of the most intriguing mysteries of the universe, pulsars, black holes, neutron stars, and super nova. Hardware support for the imaging instruments was provided by American Science and Engineeing. The HEAO spacecraft were built by TRW, Inc. under project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center.
Atlas-Centaur-52, HEAO-2
Name of Image Atlas-Centaur-52, HEAO-2
Date of Image 1978-11-13
Full Description The Atlas-Centaur-52 launch vehicle on the launch pad. The Atlas-Centaur-52 placed the High Energy Astronomy Observatory-2 (HEAO-2) in orbit on November 13, 1978.
The Launch of an Atlas/Centa …
Name of Image The Launch of an Atlas/Centaur Launch Vehicle
Date of Image 1978-11-13
Full Description The launch of an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle is shown in this photograph. The Atlas/Centaur, launched on November 13, 1978, carried the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 into the required orbit. The second observatory, the HEAO-2 (nicknamed the Einstein Observatory in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein) carried the first telescope capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects.
Image of the Eta Carinae Neb …
Name of Image Image of the Eta Carinae Nebula Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1979-01-01
Full Description This image is an x-ray view of Eta Carinae Nebula showing bright stars taken with the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2/Einstein Observatory. The Eta Carinae Nebula is a large and complex cloud of gas, crisscrossed with dark lanes of dust, some 6,500 light years from Earth. Buried deep in this cloud are many bright young stars and a very peculiar variable star. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Assembling the High Energy A …
Name of Image Assembling the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1
Date of Image 1977-01-01
Full Description This photograph shows the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1 being assembled at TRW Systems of Redondo Beach, California. The HEAO was designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center. The first observatory, designated HEAO-1, was launched on August 12, 1977 aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle and was designed to survey the sky for additional x-ray and gamma-ray sources as well as pinpointing their positions. The HEAO-1 was originally identified as HEAO-A but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.
Image of the Crab Nebula Tak …
Name of Image Image of the Crab Nebula Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1979-01-01
Full Description This is an x-ray image of the Crab Nebula taken with the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2/Einstein Observatory. The image is demonstrated by a pulsar, which appears as a bright point due to its pulsed x-ray emissions. The strongest region of diffused emissions comes from just northwest of the pulsar, and corresponds closely to the region of brightest visible-light emission. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Image of the Great Nebula in …
Name of Image Image of the Great Nebula in Andromeda, M31 Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1978-01-01
Full Description Both of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) 2/Einstein Observatory imaging devices were used to observe the Great Nebula in Andromeda, M31. This image is a wide field x-ray view of the center region of M31 by the HEAO-2's Imaging Proportional Counter. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Image of the Great Nebula in …
Name of Image Image of the Great Nebula in Andromeda, M31 Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1978-01-01
Full Description Both of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2/Einstein Observatory imaging devices were used to observe the Great Nebula in Andromeda, M31. This is a smaller field and more detailed view of the central region of the Great Nebula in Andromeda, M31, taken with the High Resolution Imager. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Image of the Vela Supernova …
Name of Image Image of the Vela Supernova Remnant Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1980-01-01
Full Description Like the Crab Nebula, the Vela Supernova Remnant has a radio pulsar at its center. In this image taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2/Einstein Observatory, the pulsar appears as a point source surrounded by weak and diffused emissions of x-rays. HEAO-2's computer processing system was able to record and display the total number of x-ray photons (a tiny bundle of radiant energy used as the fundamental unit of electromagnetic radiation) on a scale along the margin of the picture. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Image of the Supernova Cassi …
Name of Image Image of the Supernova Cassiopeia Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1980-01-01
Full Description This supernova in the constellation Cassiopeia was observed by Tycho Brahe in 1572. In this x-ray image from the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO-2/Einstein Observatory produced by nearly a day of exposure time, the center region appears filled with emissions that can be resolved into patches or knots of material. However, no central pulsar or other collapsed object can be seen. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Assembling the High Energy A …
Name of Image Assembling the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1
Date of Image 1977-01-01
Full Description This photograph shows the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1 being assembled at TRW Systems of Redondo Beach, California. The HEAO was designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center. The first observatory, designated HEAO-1, was launched on August 12, 1977 aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle and was designed to survey the sky for additional x-ray and gamma-ray sources as well as pinpointing their positions. The HEAO-1 was originally identified as HEAO-A but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.
Atlas/Centaur Launch
Name of Image Atlas/Centaur Launch
Date of Image 1979-09-20
Full Description This Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, carrying the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-3, lifted off on September 20, 1979. The HEAO-3's mission was to survey and map the celestial sphere for gamma-ray flux and make detailed measurements of cosmic-ray particles. It carried three scientific experiments: a gamma-ray spectrometer, a cosmic-ray isotope experiment, and a heavy cosmic-ray nuclei experiment. The HEAO-3 was originally identified as HEAO-C but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.
Image of the Supernova Remna …
Name of Image Image of the Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A Taken by the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2
Date of Image 1980-01-01
Full Description This x-ray photograph of the Supernova remnant Cassiopeia A, taken with the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) 2/Einstein Observatory, shows that the regions with fast moving knots of material in the expanding shell are bright and clear. A faint x-ray halo, just outside the bright shell, is interpreted as a shock wave moving ahead of the expanding debris. The HEAO-2, the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date, was capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects. Shortly after launch, the HEAO-2 was nicknamed the Einstein Observatory by its scientific experimenters in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein, whose concepts of relativity and gravitation have influenced much of modern astrophysics, particularly x-ray astronomy. The HEAO-2, designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center, was launched aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle on November 13, 1978.
Venus as captured by Marinar …
Name of Image Venus as captured by Marinar 10 in early 1974
Date of Image 1989-02-05
Full Description Using an altraviolet filter of imaging system, the photo has been color-enhanced to simulate Venus's natural color as the human eye would see it. Venus is perpetually blanketed by a thick veil of clouds high in carbon dioxide and its surface temperature approaches 900 degrees fahrenheit. Launched on 11/3/73 atop an Atlas-Centaur rocket, Mariner 10 flew by Venus on 2/5/74.
Atlas Centaur Rocket Launch
Name of Image Atlas Centaur Rocket Launch
Date of Image 1990-07-25
Full Description An Atlas Centaur rocket (AC-S9) was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station complex 36B carrying into orbit the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) spacecraft. CRRES was a joint NASA/Air Force mission to study the effects of chemical release on the Earth?s atmosphere and magnetosphere.
Atlas-Centaur
Name of Image Atlas-Centaur
Date of Image 1990-09-25
Full Description The Atlas-Centaur, AC-68 vehicle, with the FLTSATCOM (F-8 Communication Satellite) aboard, on the Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The FLTSATCOM will provide communications for ships and submarines at sea, planes in the air and military ground units throughout the world. It will also provide instant communications between the President and the Commanding Officers.
Atlas-Centaur, AC-69
Name of Image Atlas-Centaur, AC-69
Date of Image 1990-07-25
Full Description The Atlas-Centaur, AC-69, launched the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) in orbit on July 25, 1990.
Launch of Atlas-Centaur, Mar …
Name of Image Launch of Atlas-Centaur, Mariner X
Date of Image 1973-11-03
Full Description The launch of the Atlas-Centaur carrying the Mariner X spacecraft on November 3, 1973. This mission was for the exploration of the planets Venus and Mercury.
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