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Launching aboard the four-stage Taurus XL rocket, NASA's Glory spacecraft will take its place among a

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series of Earth-observing satellites collectively called the "A-Train."

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Once in orbit, Glory will study the effect of aerosols on our planet's energy budget.

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Both the Taurus launch vehicle and the Glory spacecraft were built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and

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prepared for launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

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The spacecraft arrived Jan. 11, 2011, at the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility for final processing

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and prelaunch checkout.

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Soon after, its protective covers were removed and its solar arrays were inspected... and tested.

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Then, Glory was enclosed in the rounded payload fairing that will keep it safe

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during the critical climb to orbit.

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A small deployer called P-POD is hitching a ride into space along with Glory,

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mounted on the Taurus rocket's third stage.

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Tucked into the P-POD are the ELaNa CubeSats, three tiny satellites

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built by college and university students.

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While the mission's payloads were being prepared for flight, the all-solid-fuel Taurus XL vehicle was

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coming together at Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 576-E.

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The vehicle's three upper sections -- stages 1, 2 and 3 -- were joined together and transported to the

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launch site for final assembly.

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But first, technicians carefully guided the rocket's ignition stage, known as Stage 0, down onto its

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launch mount and bolted it in place.

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Next came the Interstage, a structural adapter between the Stage 1 and wider Stage 0 sections.

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On Feb. 15, 2011, the payload fairing was added to the third stage,