Solar Orbiter is a mission dedicated to solar and heliospheric physics. The program- a joint NASA/ESA (European Space Agency)- will outline key scientific questions that need to be answered about the development of planets and the emergence of life, how the Solar System works, the origins of the Universe, and the fundamental physics at work in the Universe.
Solar Orbiter will study the Sun, its outer atmosphere, and what drives the constant outflow of the solar wind, which affects Earth. The spacecraft will observe the Sun’s atmosphere up close with high spatial resolution telescopes and compare these observations to measurements taken in the environment directly surrounding the probe – together creating a one-of-a-kind picture of how the Sun can affect the space environment throughout the solar system.
NASA is all set to launch Solar Orbiter on Feb. 5, 2020, at 11:15 p.m. on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 411 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral. Media prelaunch and launch activities will take place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and neighboring Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Now, NASA has invited media for the launch of Solar Orbiter. For this, the agency has opened media accreditation.
Media interested in attending prelaunch and launch activities must submit an accreditation request online here.
Credentialing deadlines are as follows:
- International media must apply for credentials by 4:30 p.m. EST Dec. 8.
- U.S. media must apply by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 2020