Rocket fails to reach orbit; likely crashes into ocean

WASHINGTON. March 5. KAZINFORM A satellite and the unmanned rocket that carried it apparently crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after lifting off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Friday morning, NASA said; Kazinform refers to CNN.

A protective shell atop the Taurus XL rocket did not separate as planned, slowing the rocket and preventing it from going into orbit, NASA officials said, citing initial information. The rocket carried a satellite, known as Glory, that was to have collected information to help scientists better understand the Earth's climate.

The satellite and rocket apparently fell into the southern Pacific, they said.

The mission was designed to collect data that scientists planned to use to better understand how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect the Earth's climate.

See www.edition.cnn.com for full story