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Aqua Undergoes Launch Processing

NASA's Aqua spacecraft, built by Northrop Grumman, is shown undergoing final testing in a payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Testing verifies all spacecraft systems are functional. All eight of Aqua's science instruments mounted on the spacecraft's nadir or Earth-pointing side are visible. Following checkout, the spacecraft will be transferred to Space Launch Complex 2, where it will be integrated with a Delta II launch vehicle. On orbit, Aqua will monitor the role of water -- including rain, snow, ice, clouds and glaciers -- in the Earth's systems. The data provided by its instruments will help scientists further the development and refinement of global and regional climate models, providing more accurate climate forecasts.