BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW

Follow the countdown and launch of a Boeing Delta 2 rocket with the Jason 1 and TIMED satellites. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.

Now showing
For Spaceflight Now+Plus service (subscribers only):

The Boeing Delta 2 rocket lifts off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying the Jason 1 and TIMED satellites for NASA.
  QuickTime or RealVideo

A video camera mounted to the second stage of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket takes you on the ride at liftoff as the vehicle blasts off from the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
  QuickTime or RealVideo

One of the air-lit solid rocket motors is seen jettisoning from the Boeing Delta 2 rocket by the onboard video camera mounted to the second stage.
  QuickTime or RealVideo

The Delta rocket's first stage main engine shuts down, the spent stage separates, the second stage ignites and the nose cone is jettisoned all in quick order as seen by the onboard video camera.
  QuickTime or RealVideo

This view of launch was recorded from the roof of Building 12000 at Vandenberg, showing the rocket heading into the early morning sky.
  QuickTime or RealVideo


See full listing of video clips.

Flight Data File
Vehicle: Delta 2 (7920-10C)
Payload: Jason 1 & TIMED
Launch date: Dec. 7, 2001
Launch window: 1458-1518 GMT (9:58-10:18 a.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

Pre-launch briefing
Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.

Orbit trace - Maps showing the ground track for the launch.

Delta 2 rocket - Overview of the Delta 2 7920-model rocket used in this launch.

Jason 1 - The French/U.S. ocean-observing satellite.

TIMED - The U.S. atmospheric research spacecraft.

SLC-2W - The launch pad where Delta rockets fly from Vandenberg.

Delta directory - See our coverage of preview Delta rocket flights.