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Visualization of the GPM Core Observatory and Partner Satellites. GPM is slated to launch on Feb. 27 from Japan. Credit: NASA See launch animation, Shinto ceremony, Rocket roll out and more below <\/p>\n
NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, MARYLAND Blastoff of the powerful and revolutionary new NASA\/JAXA rain and snow precipitation measurement satellite atop a Japanese rocket from a tiny offshore island launch pad is now less than 24 hours away on Thursday, Feb. 27, EST (Feb. 28 JST). <\/p>\n
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory aimed at improving forecasts of extreme weather and climate change research has been given a green light for launch atop a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center on Tanegashima Island off southern Japan. <\/p>\n
Roll out of the H-IIA launch vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building is scheduled for this evening, Feb. 26 at 11 p.m. EST. <\/p>\n
Update: rocket rolled out. Photo below, plus watch streaming NASA TV below. <\/p>\n
Following the Launch Readiness Review, mission managers approved the GO for liftoff. <\/p>\n
The H-IIA rocket with GPM rolls to its launch pad in Japan! Credit: NASA\/Bill Ingalls <\/p>\n
Japanese team members also prayed at a Shinto ceremony for blessings for a successful launch at the Ebisu Shrine, the first shrine in a traditional San-ja Mairi, or Three Shrine Pilgrimage on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 see photo below. <\/p>\n
However, the team also set a newly revised launch time of 1:37 p.m. EST (18:37 UTC, and Feb. 28 at 3:37 a.m. JST). <\/p>\n
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NASA\/JAXA Precipitation Measurement Satellite GO for Feb. 27 Launch Watch Live Here on NASA TV<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Want to stay on top of all the space news? Follow @universetoday on Twitter Visualization of the GPM Core Observatory and Partner Satellites. Continue reading