Watch Live: Solar Orbiter Launch From Cape Canaveral

Atlas V Rocket with Solar Orbiter Spacecraft

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Solar Orbiter spacecraft arrives at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on February 8, 2020. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Update: If you missed the live coverage, watch the Solar Orbiter Liftoff Video.

Note: ESA is also offering live coverage of the Solar Orbiter launch.

NASA is targeting 11:03 p.m. EST Sunday, February 9, for the launch of Solar Orbiter, an international collaborative mission between ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA. The spacecraft will launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 411 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida.

Live launch coverage will begin on NASA Television and NASA Live at 10:30 p.m. EST Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Atlas V 411 Launching Solar Orbiter Into Space

Artist’s impression of an Atlas V 411 launching Solar Orbiter into space. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab

Solar Orbiter will observe the Sun with high spatial resolution telescopes and capture observations in the environment directly surrounding the spacecraft to create a one-of-a-kind picture of how the Sun can affect the space environment throughout our solar system. The spacecraft also will provide the first-ever images of the Sun’s poles and the never-before-observed magnetic environment there, which helps drive the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle and its periodic outpouring of solar storms.

Solar Orbiter Launch Fairing Separation

Artist’s impression of the fairing encapsulating Solar Orbiter being released following the launch on an Atlas V 411. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Solar Orbiter spacecraft has made its final move on Earth: the short journey from the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 11:03 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 9. There is a two-hour launch window.

The weather forecast for launch time calls for favorable conditions. Meteorologists with the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing continue to predict an 80% chance of weather cooperating for launch.

https://youtu.be/U7TamsdlWmc

Be the first to comment on "Watch Live: Solar Orbiter Launch From Cape Canaveral"

Leave a comment

Email address is optional. If provided, your email will not be published or shared.