The upper vehicle stack of the Taurus XL rocket leaves Building 1555 for Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The upper vehicle stack, consisting of the first, second and third stages, of the Taurus XL rocket leaves Building 1555 for Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL is a four-stage rocket that will carry NASA's Glory spacecraft into low Earth orbit.

Once Glory reaches orbit, it will collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon. It also will help scientists understand how the sun's irradiance affects Earth's climate. Launch is scheduled for 5:09 a.m. EST Feb. 23. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/glory. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB