Suomi NPP Launch Information
Mission: Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership
Launch Vehicle: ULA Delta II
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Date: Oct. 28, 2011
Launch Time: 5:48 a.m. EDT
Suomi NPP Launches on Earth Observing Mission
The mobile service tower rolls away from the Delta II rocket with the Suomi NPP spacecraft aboard. Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
› Larger image
The Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership spacecraft lifted off at 5:48 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28, 2011, to begin its Earth observation mission. The spacecraft was lifted into orbit by a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launching from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The launch capped a flawless countdown.
Launch Vehicle: ULA Delta II
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Date: Oct. 28, 2011
Launch Time: 5:48 a.m. EDT
Suomi NPP Launches on Earth Observing Mission
The mobile service tower rolls away from the Delta II rocket with the Suomi NPP spacecraft aboard. Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls› Larger image
The Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership spacecraft lifted off at 5:48 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28, 2011, to begin its Earth observation mission. The spacecraft was lifted into orbit by a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launching from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The launch capped a flawless countdown.
Launch Control Center
Mission Extras
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NPP Image Gallery
› View Gallery
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Test Your Knowledge
Find out if you've got the right stuff to plot the course for future space missions.
› Take the Quiz
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Rocket Science 101
Assemble a Delta II, Delta IV, Atlas V or Pegasus rocket from main engine to payload fairing!
› Build a Rocket
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Delta's Roaring Past
The first Delta flew in 1960, and the rocket family has been growing ever since.
› View This Video
 "History of Delta rockets")
