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Solar Orbiter Awaiting Liftoff on Atlas V Rocket

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket stands illuminated on the launch pad at night, surrounded by lightning towers. The launch site is lit by floodlights, creating a stark contrast against the dark sky. The rocket and support structures are clearly visible, highlighting the pre-launch stage.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, with the Solar Orbiter spacecraft sealed in the payload fairing, awaits liftoff on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Space Launch Complex 41 at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Image credit: NASA TV

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is poised for liftoff tonight from Space Launch Complex 41 at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. On board is the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, an international collaborative mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Countdown clocks across the spaceport are ticking down toward scheduled liftoff at 11:03 p.m. EST. There’s a two-hour launch window.

Forecasters with the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing are predicting a 90% chance of weather favorable for launch, with the potential for ground winds the primary concern.

Join us for updates from the countdown starting at 10:30 p.m.

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 the 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.