Ulysses (spacecraft)

Quick Facts: Who was Ulysses (spacecraft)?

Subject:

Ulysses (spacecraft)

Known for:

Robotic solar probe studying the Sun from all latitudes, powered by radioisotope heat.

Born:

1990-10-06

Died:

2009-06-30

Century / Era:

1990s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

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 1994/1995, 2000/2001, and 2007/2008. In addition, the probe studied several comets.

Career & Major Achievements

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.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

To change the orbital inclination of a spacecraft to about 80° requires a large change in heliocentric velocity, the energy to achieve which far exceeded the capabilities of any launch vehicle. To reach the desired orbit around the Sun, the mission's planners chose a gravity assist maneuver around Jupiter, but this Jupiter encounter meant that Ulysses could not be powered by solar cells.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1990 (1990-10-06): Birth of Ulysses (spacecraft) — Robotic solar probe studying the Sun from all latitudes, powered by radioisotope heat.
2. 2009 (2009-06-30): Passing & Historical Legacy — Ulysses (spacecraft) passed away on 2009-06-30, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ulysses (spacecraft)

True or False: “Did Ulysses rely solely on solar power throughout its entire mission lifespan?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): No, due to the necessary gravity assist maneuver around Jupiter to change its orbital inclination, Ulysses was forced to switch from solar cells to a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ulysses (spacecraft)