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Ulysses embarks on third set of polar passes

17 November 2006

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Ulysses is a joint ESA/NASA mission studying the interplanetary medium and solar wind in the inner heliosphere, beyond the Sun's equator, for the first time.

The spacecraft's high-inclination orbit around the Sun took it over the solar south pole in 1994 and then the north pole in 1995. Ulysses then made a second southern solar pass above 70º South during September 2000 to January 2001, and a similar northern pass during September to December 2001. On 17 November 2006, the spacecraft started its third passage over the Sun's south pole.

Ulysses' high-gain antenna points continuously towards Earth, returning data for eight hours every day as it investigates the Sun's domain.

[94.07.010-001]

Credits: JPL/ESA

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Sketch of Ulysses' third solar orbit. The spacecraft, launched in 1990, made its first polar passes in 1994 (south) and 1995 (north), near solar minimum. It made the second set of polar passes in 2000 and 2001, at the height of solar activity. On 17 November 2006, the spacecraft started its third passage over the Sun's south pole.

Credits: ESA

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