Launched on February 10, 2020, the Solar Orbiter is a groundbreaking sun-observing satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). Over the next decade, it will orbit our sun, capturing unprecedented images and data from closer than any spacecraft before it, including the sun’s uncharted polar regions.
For Christopher Owen, a physics professor at University College London and the principal investigator for the Solar Wind Analyser (SWA) on the Solar Orbiter mission, the project represents a significant scientific milestone. \”Seeing the launch of the Solar Orbiter and hearing the roar of the rocket was the most inspiring moment in 2020,\” he shared.
Cesar Garcia, the Solar Orbiter project manager at ESA, echoed this sentiment. However, the mission faced unexpected challenges. As Garcia and his team began testing instruments on the orbiter in early March, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Europe. An outbreak at the operational center in Darmstadt, Germany, halted operations for ten days when some colleagues tested positive.
Despite these hurdles, the team remained resilient. They adapted by developing new modes of communication and collaboration to keep the mission on schedule. Their determination ensured the Solar Orbiter continued its journey to unlock the sun’s mysteries.
The successful launch and ongoing mission of the Solar Orbiter stand as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, offering a beacon of hope during a year overshadowed by global challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
