In the high bay at Astrotech Space Operations the second half of the fairing is raised upright.

In the high bay at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the second half of the fairing is raised upright. It will be moved to the GOES-N spacecraft and join the first half. When both halves are in place, they will encapsulate, or enclose, the GOES-N satellite for launch. The fairing protects the spacecraft during launch and flight through the atmosphere. Once out of the atmosphere, the fairing is jettisoned. GOES-N is the latest in a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites for NOAA and NASA providing continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. GOES-N will be launched May 18 on a Boeing Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller