Workers install one of the two umbilical tower guy wires and springs as part of closeout procedures on the Taurus XL rocket.

On Space Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers install one of the two umbilical tower guy wires and springs as part of closeout procedures on the Taurus XL rocket in preparation for launch. The umbilical tower attached to the upper stack will fall away from the spacecraft during liftoff.

The Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket will launch Glory 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/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB