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Solar Polar Orbiter "Ulysses" is launched

Ulysses ( yoo-LISS-eez, UK also YOO-liss-eez) was a robotic space probe whose primary mission was to orbit the Sun and study it at all latitudes.

Ulysses ( yoo-LISS-eez, UK also YOO-liss-eez) was a robotic space probe whose primary mission was to orbit the Sun and study it at all latitudes. It was launched in 1990 and made three "fast latitude scans" of the Sun in 1994 2001, and 2007/2008. In addition, the probe studied several comets. Ulysses was a joint venture of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), under leadership of ESA with participation from Canada's National Research Council. The last day for mission operations on Ulysses was 30 June 2009.

To study the Sun at all latitudes, the probe needed to change its orbital inclination and leave the plane of the Solar System.

Historical Significance

Ulysses ( yoo-LISS-eez, UK also YOO-liss-eez) was a robotic space probe whose primary mission was to orbit the Sun and study it at all latitudes.

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Events After

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  4. Operation Desert Storm begins, with US-led coalition forces bombing Iraq, during the Gulf War

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  5. CBS News correspondent Bob Simon and four TV crew members are captured and held for 40 days by Iraqi forces during the G

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 6, 1990?
Ulysses ( yoo-LISS-eez, UK also YOO-liss-eez) was a robotic space probe whose primary mission was to orbit the Sun and study it at all latitudes. It was launched in 1990 and made three "fast latitude scans" of the Sun in 1994 2001, and 2007/2008. In addition, the probe studied several comets.
Why is Solar Polar Orbiter "Ulysses" is launched significant?
Ulysses ( yoo-LISS-eez, UK also YOO-liss-eez) was a robotic space probe whose primary mission was to orbit the Sun and study it at all latitudes.

Explore More

October 6 in HistoryYear 1990