JPSS-1 Spacecraft Separation!

The JPSS-1 satellite is visible attached to the Delta II second stage at the time of spacecraft separation.
The JPSS-1 satellite is visible attached to the Delta II second stage at the time of spacecraft separation. Image credit: NASA TV

Flying 440 nautical miles over the Indian Ocean, NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System-1 spacecraft has separated from the second stage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket that delivered it to orbit this morning.

The next major milestone will be the third burn of the Delta II second stage – a quick burn lasting about 18 seconds – to prepare for deployment of the P-PODs, releasing the five CubeSats.