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		Technicians at Launch Pad 17-B prepare the Dawn spacecraft atop the Delta II rocket for its launch toward the asteroid belt. + Enlarge Image                 Credit: NASA, Cory Huston

Dawn Moved to Launch Pad June 25 - 29

The Dawn spacecraft and third stage were transported from Astrotech to Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral and installed on the second stage. Final checkouts and preparations for launch continue on all three stages of the launch vehicle and the spacecraft.

As shown at right, workers complete encapsulation of the fairing around NASA's Dawn spacecraft. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the Delta II upper stage booster and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent.