Parker Solar Probe Launch Targeted for Aug. 11

Illustration of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun.
Illustration of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun. Image credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben

NASA and its mission partners are targeting Aug. 11 for the launch of the Parker Solar Probe mission to the Sun. The 45-minute launch window will open at 3:48 a.m. EDT. During final inspections following the encapsulation of the spacecraft, a small strip of foam was found inside the fairing and additional time is needed for inspection.

The spacecraft will launch on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.