NASA's SMAP spacecraft as the payload fairing is prepared for attachment to the rocket to protect the spacecraft during launch and ascent.

NASA's SMAP spacecraft inside the service structure at Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg AFB, California, as the payload fairing is prepared for attachment to the rocket to protect the spacecraft during launch and ascent. For more, go to www.nasa.gov/smap Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin