Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day we feature a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

December 13, 1995

A Delta Rocket Launches
Credit: NASA, KSC

Explanation: A Delta rocket is seen being launched in 1988. In use since 1960, Delta rockets have been launched successfully over 200 times. Scientific satellites placed into orbit by a Delta rocket include IUE, COBE, LAGEOS-I, ROSAT, EUVE, GEOTAIL, and WIND. A Delta rocket is scheduled to launch the X-ray Timing Explorer Satellite (XTE) in the very near future. Commercial launches include INMARSAT. Many recent Delta launches have placed Navstar Global Positioning System satellites into orbit. Delta rockets are manufactured for the USAF and NASA by McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co.

Tomorrow's picture: An Atlas Centaur Rocket Launches

Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (GMU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA).
NASA Technical Rep.: Sherri Calvo. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA/ GSFC