Planetary Society logo
  • “Exploration is in our nature.” - Carl Sagan

Emily Lakdawalla • Aug 15, 2016

Photos: OSIRIS-REx prepares for launch

Only 24 days remain until the opening of OSIRIS-REx's launch period, and final preparations are underway. There is a lot to do in the final months before a launch, but things seem to be going well, according to what I can see from the NASA Kennedy photo album and principal investigator Dante Lauretta's Twitter feed. There is a televised briefing scheduled for Wednesday. Here are just a few photos and bits of news from the last several weeks:

Inspecting the inside of the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule
Inspecting the inside of the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule Taken inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center on July 13, 2016, during testing of the sample return capsule door.Image: NASA / Kim Shiflett
Covering OSIRIS-REx in blankets
Covering OSIRIS-REx in blankets On July 27, 2016, technicians install thermal blankets on OSIRIS-REx. The multilayered material will insulate the spacecraft's interior from both hot and cold temperatures experienced in space.Image: NASA / Michelle Stone
OSIRIS-REx's Centaur
OSIRIS-REx's Centaur The Centaur upper stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket arrives inside the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, on July 21, 2016.Image: NASA / Cory Huston
OSIRIS-REx's rocket is lifted into position
OSIRIS-REx's rocket is lifted into position On August 8, 2016, the first stage of the Atlas V rocket that will send OSIRIS-REx to space was raised to a vertical position at Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.Image: NASA / Glenn Benson

Let’s Go Beyond The Horizon

Every success in space exploration is the result of the community of space enthusiasts, like you, who believe it is important. You can help usher in the next great era of space exploration with your gift today.

Donate Today