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The second stage of a Delta II rocket is prepared for its shift to vertical alongside the gantry at pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Station. The rocket is scheduled to be launched on Dec. 10, 1998, heading for Mars and carrying the Mars Climate Orbiter. The orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for 657 days. It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The orbiter will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, which is planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999.