Solar Orbiter: Status Update
Abstract
The Solar Orbiter Mission will study the Sun in greater detail than ever before due the close proximity of the spacecraft as it orbits the Sun. At its closest point, Solar Orbiter will be about 0.22 AU from the Sun, closer than any other satellite to date. In addition to providing high-resolution images of the solar surface, perihelion passes at these distances occur in near co-rotation with the Sun, allowing the instruments to track features on the surface for several days. The mission profile also includes a high-latitude phase that will allow observations from up to 35 degrees above the solar equator. Multiple Venus gravity assist manoeuvres will be employed to increase the inclination of the orbital plane. The combination of near-Sun, quasi-heliosynchronous and high-latitude observations by remote-sensing and in-situ instruments makes Solar Orbiter a unique platform for the study of the links between the Sun and the inner heliosphere. In this paper, we will review the mission goals and the corresponding mission requirements, together with the technical challenges, and give an update on recent activities.
- Publication:
-
European Solar Physics Meeting
- Pub Date:
- September 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008ESPM...12..6.4M