PIA04264: New Galaxy Quest Readies for Launch
 Mission:  Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)
 Spacecraft:  GALEX Orbiter
 Instrument:  GALEX Telescope 
 Product Size:  3000 x 1968 pixels (w x h)
 Produced By:  Kennedy Space Center 
 Producer ID:  KSC-03pd-0482
 Full-Res TIFF:  PIA04264.tif (17.71 MB)
 Full-Res JPEG:  PIA04264.jpg (6.099 MB)

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Original Caption Released with Image:

In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, workers check the deployment of the cover of the telescope on the GALEX satellite. The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) is an orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history. Led by the California Institute of Technology, GALEX will conduct several first-of-a-kind sky surveys, including an extra-galactic (beyond our galaxy) ultraviolet all-sky survey. During its 29-month mission GALEX will produce the first comprehensive map of a Universe of galaxies under construction, bringing more understanding of how galaxies like the Milky Way were formed. GALEX is due to be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station March 25 via a Pegasus rocket.

Image Credit:
NASA

Image Addition Date:
2003-03-19