The Eyes of SMAP: Interview With Astro Aerospace, Makers of SMAP’s Spinning Antenna (Part 2)

By Chris Howell, on April 15th, 2015

Members of the AstroAerospace team who worked closely with NASA JPL throughout the reflector development process for the SMAP spacecraft. From left to Right: Peter Laraway, Lead Reflector Project Engineer Ed Keay, SMAP Program Manager/Director of Business Development Mark Gralewski, Lead Systems Engineer Mehran Mobrem, Chief Analyst Mike Fedyk, Lead Thermal Engineer. Photo […]

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The Eyes of SMAP: Interview With NASA JPL’s SMAP Project Manager Kent Kellogg (Part 1)

By Chris Howell, on April 2nd, 2015

NASA/JPL’s SMAP Project Manager Kent Kellogg with the SMAP spacecraft, now in orbit above the Earth. Photo Courtesy: Kent Kellogg

A behind-the-scenes look into the birth of a spacecraft; the research, development, fabrication, and mission objectives of NASA/JPL’s Earth science observatory, SMAP, and the challenges met in creating a new technology. Part One: […]

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AmericaSpace Imagery Team Capture Rare Launch of Venerable Delta II

By Ben Evans, on February 3rd, 2015

With only two more NASA missions ahead of it, in the 2017-18 timeframe, the curtain appears to be falling on the Delta II. Photo Credit: Robert C. Fisher/AmericaSpace

Last Saturday morning, AmericaSpace’s imagery team witnessed a rare pre-dawn liftoff of the highly reliable Delta II booster, carrying the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) […]

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Dazzling Delta II Delivers SMAP to Orbit in Stunning Pre-Dawn Ascent

By Ben Evans, on January 31st, 2015

With the flare of its RS-27A first-stage engine and trio of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs), the Delta II takes flight at 6:22 a.m. PST Saturday, 31 January. Photo Credit: Mike Killian/AmericaSpace

Continuing a proud heritage of near-perfect mission success, which stretches back across more than a quarter-century, the 153rd Delta II booster broke […]

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PHOTOS: Delta-II Ready for SMAP Launch Attempt #2 From California Saturday Morning

By Mike Killian, on January 30th, 2015

The ULA Delta-II tasked with launching NASA’s SMAP Earth Science satellite / mission. Photo Credit: Mike Killian / AmericaSpace

Mother Nature and a relatively minor technical issue forced ULA to keep their Delta-II rocket, and NASA’s SMAP satellite, grounded at Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California the last few days, but as […]

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NASA's SMAP Environmental Watcher Ready for Thursday Launch Atop Delta II

By Ben Evans, on January 27th, 2015

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) spacecraft undergoes checkout in Astrotech’s payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Photo Credit: ULA

For the 153rd time in its quarter-century of operational service, the thunderous roar of a Delta II booster will rattle Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Thursday, 29 January, carrying […]

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NASA Hosts Earth Science Social Media Event

By Press Release, on October 30th, 2013

This view of Earth comes from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer aboard the Terra satellite.Photo Credit: NASA

One-hundred people from 22 U.S. states and some foreign countries will attend a two-day NASA Social on Nov. 4 and 5 at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

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NASA Flies Radar South on Wide-Ranging Scientific Expedition

By News Release, on April 6th, 2013

Photo Credit: Tony Landis / NASA

WASHINGTON — A versatile NASA airborne imaging radar system is showcasing its broad scientific prowess for studying our Home Planet during a month-long expedition over the Americas.

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United Launch Alliance’s Delta II Tapped to Launch ICESat-2 by NASA

By Jason Rhian, on February 25th, 2013

NASA has selected the United Launch Alliance Delta II to send its ICESat-2 spacecraft into polar orbit. Photo Credit: Alan Walters / awaltersphoto.com

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla — The Launch Services Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, located in Florida, has selected United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Delta II rocket to launch the agency’s Ice, […]

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