WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

Technicians prepare to lift the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) spacecraft into a vertical position after it is demated from its Pegasus launch vehicle in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. A borescope inspection will be conducted to locate a small fastener and associated clip missing from a demated connector identified during preflight testing. GALEX is an orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history. During its 29-month mission, GALEX will produce the first comprehensive map of a Universe of galaxies under construction, bringing more understanding to how galaxies like the Milky Way were formed. The GALEX launch date in late April is currently under review.