JASON/TIMED Ready for December 7 Launch

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The launch of the Jason 1 and TIMED satellites aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket is scheduled to occur on Friday, Dec. 7 from NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 20-minute launch window extends from 9:58 - 10:18 a.m. EST.

NASA's TIMED spacecraft will conduct the first global study of a critical region of Earth's atmosphere, known as the mesosphere, lower thermosphere and ionosphere. The two-year mission will study the influences of the sun
as well as humans on this least explored and understood region located between 40 - 110 miles (60 - 180 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. Data provided by TIMED will improve our understanding of this "gateway
region" and its effects on satellites, communications, and spacecraft re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. TIMED is a NASA satellite managed by the Goddard.

TIMED is currently snug inside the Dual Attached Payload Fitting (DAPF). On Nov. 12, the Jason spacecraft was handed-over to Boeing. On Nov. 15 it was mounted on the top of the DPAF. Next Monday is the Launch Site Readiness Review and that night the spacecraft will be transported out to the pad.