Activity Dates: September 7 - 10, 2011
The next launch attempt for GRAIL is Saturday, September 10 at 8:29 a.m. EST.
On September 10, 2011, the GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) Mission launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket traveling to the moon. Two spacecrafts were carried aboard and will be used to orbit the moon for several months collecting data measurements of the gravity field. GRAIL's observations will help scientists to better understand the interior structure and thermal evolution of the Moon, and will assist in determining landing sites for future missions.
Guests originally had the option to view from the NASA Causeway for an additional $20 for the September 8 launch. Due to multiple scrubs, the causeway was unavailable for purchase on September 10.