Launch of NASA's Parker Solar Probe delayed

Artist concept of the spacecraft Parker Solar Probe Approaching the Sun. Launched in 2018, Parker Solar Probe is designed to provide new insights into solar activity and make critical contributions to our ability to predict the major weather events that impact life on Earth. Image & Caption Credit: JHU-APL

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Florida – NASA announced Wednesday, July 19 that the launch of the agency's Parker Solar Probe mission, intended to "touch" the Sun, had been delayed by one year. two more days.

NASA provided the following reason for why the flight was delayed: It took longer to evaluate the configuration of a strain relief on the fairing of the payload. The teams changed the configuration and the encapsulation operations continued.

A leak that was found on the third stage purge support tube of the Delta IV Heavy rocket was repaired. This problem was discovered last week.

NASA used United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket to launch the probe from Space Launch Complex 37 of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida

If all goes as planned, the Parker Solar Probe should help to redefine we think of the Sun. Flying near our star, the Parker Solar Probe is described by the space agency as " the first spaceship to fly directly through the crown of the Sun … "

The Heat and the radiation it will encounter, though dangerous, should provide scientists with a better understanding of the physics of stars like our Sun. Perhaps more importantly for the space aspirations of US crews as well as how the space environment influences satellites orbiting our home world – this mission could provide a better understanding of how the Sun influences space. 19659013] Tagged: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Delta IV NASA Forte Parker Solar Probe Space Launch 37 The United Alliance Range

Jason Rhian

Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for sales outlets such as: Aviation Week and Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.