PADSpace Launch Complex 2W
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEEarth Science
PROGRAMNASA Large Strategic Science Missions
MISSION OVERVIEW
Aura (EOS CH-1) is a multi-national NASA scientific research satellite in orbit around the Earth, studying the Earth’s ozone layer, air quality and climate. It is the third major component of the Earth Observing System following on Terra and Aqua.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Delta IIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Aura
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 2WLAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USAPROGRAM
NASA Large Strategic Science Missions
COUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: f7d5ae41-fbdd-49ac-8f94-30fe0a783cbb
Reported date: Jul 15, 2004 at 10:01 UTC
Last synced: 4 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Delta II →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
7920-10L
FLIGHTS
2
SUCCESSES
2
SUCCESS RATE
100%
Delta II was an expendable launch system, originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas. Delta II was part of the Delta rocket family and entered service in 1989. Delta II vehicles included the Delta 6000, and the two later Delta 7000 variants ("Light" and "Heavy"). The rocket flew its final mission ICESat-2 on 15 September 2018, earning the launch vehicle a streak of 100 successful missions in a row, with the last failure being GPS IIR-1 in 1997.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Delta 7920-10L | Aura launch?
The Delta 7920-10L | Aura is scheduled for Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 10:01 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Aura?
The Delta 7920-10L | Aura mission uses the Delta II rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Delta II has flown 2 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Delta 7920-10L | Aura launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is Aura going to?
The Aura mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Aura?
The Delta 7920-10L | Aura is operated by United States Air Force. It is part of the NASA Large Strategic Science Missions program.
Can I watch the Delta 7920-10L | Aura launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch date set: Jul 15, 2004 at 10:01 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:07 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Nov 14, 2024 17:35 UTC
Summary of Aura 20th Anniversary EventSnippets from The Earth Observeru2019s Editoru2019s Corner The last of NASAu2019s three EOS Flagships u2013 Aura u2013 marked 20 years in orbit on July 15,…
NASA
Sep 16, 2024 17:00 UTC
Aura at 20 YearsIntroduction In the 1990s and early 2000s, an international team of engineers and scientists designed an integrated observatory for atmospheric composition u2013 a bold endeavor…
NASA
Jul 16, 2024 20:17 UTC
NASA Celebrates 20 Years of Earth-Observing Aura SatelliteA few of the many highlights from the last 20 years since Aura Launched.
NASA
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 4 hours ago
●Launch Library 24 hours ago
Launch ID: f7d5ae41-fbdd-49ac-8f94-30fe0a783cbb
●Spaceflight News APIError
4 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather5 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.76, -120.62
