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Solar Orbiter

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T-4 Minutes and Holding

Illustration of Solar Orbiter facing the Sun
ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter will travel inside the orbit of Mercury and capture the first images of the Sun’s north and south poles. Image Credit: ESA/ATG Medialab

Countdown clocks have temporarily paused at the T-4 minute mark. This is a planned, 15-minute hold expected to release at 10:59 p.m. EST. Liftoff of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket remains on schedule for 11:03 p.m.

Launch Weather Officer Jessica Williams briefed the launch team just a few minutes ago. There are barely any clouds, she reported, and no precipitation expected. The potential for ground winds remains, and the overall forecast predicts a 90% chance of favorable conditions at launch time.