This view from the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 reveals the close proximity of the Horizontal Processing Facility.

This view from the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California reveals the close proximity of the Horizontal Processing Facility to the pad. Processing of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, is underway at the pad. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. The data returned also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Launch is scheduled for November 2014. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin