launched from USA

Aura

Success
JUL 15200410:02:00 UTC

Aura was the third flagship of NASA's Earth Observing System, after Terra and Aqua, dedicated to the chemistry of the atmosphere: ozone, air quality, and the gases that drive climate. It anchored the rear of the "A-train" formation, a string of satellites crossing the equator minutes apart so their measurements could be combined. This was also the first flight of Delta II's stretched three-metre fairing.

launched from SLC-2W Vandenberg

aboard Delta II 7920-10L into SSO

Payload

Aura

Atmospheric research

last updated May 29, 2026