HETE-2 Pre-Launch Pictures
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October 7, 2000:
The Pegasus rocket Renee is waiting patiently for launch...
October 2, 2000:
The Pegasus rocket Renee , mounted to the Orbital Stargazer :
the payload end is covered with plastic and is continuously purged with
dry nitrogen gas to keep the payload humidity low.
October 1, 2000:
The Orbital Carrier Aircraft (OCA) landing at Kwajalein Missile Range
with the Pegasus rocket Renee strapped below.
(HETE's in the rocket, trust us).
September 21, 2000:
The HETE-2 rocket is on the trailer and ready to be
wheeled to the Orbital aircraft.
September 20, 2000:
The Pegasus rocket fairing (nose cone) has been installed, and
conditioned air is being fed in.
September 18, 2000:
Bonus picture!
The Pegasus fairing being installed.
September 15, 2000:
Bonus picture!
Two views of HETE-2 (unbagged) on the rocket
September 13, 2000: A nearby fire has made things interesting...
September 11, 2000:
HETE-2 (bagged for cleanliness) on the Pegasus rocket!
September 9, 2000: Pre-mate check of HETE-2 hardware
September 8, 2000: Pre-mate work on the HETE-2 rocket
September 7, 2000: Post-shipment testing of the HETE solar panels
September 6, 2000: HETE-2 arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base