NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Spacecraft: CALIPSO and CloudSat Earth Observing Satellites
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II Rocket
Launch Location: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date: April 28, 2006

The CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites soared into space from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at approximately 6:02 a.m. EDT on April 28, 2006, beginning a mission to study clouds from orbit. The twin spacecraft were launched aboard the Boeing Delta II rocket, which is NASA's medium-size payload specialist.

Image right: The Delta II rocket launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Credit: Boeing/Thom Baur
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The flight of the two satellites also marked the 50th successful launch for NASA's Launch Services Program.

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