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'Solar Orbiter' Launches With Atlas V Rocket, Built In Colorado, On Mission To Sun

DENVER (CBS4)- A rocket with ties to Colorado is a key part of the mission to the sun. NASA and the European Space Agency launched the "Solar Orbiter."

NASA SOLAR ORBITER 12VO .transfer_frame_143
(credit: NASA)

The orbiter was placed atop of the Atlas V rocket built by United Alliance based in Colorado.

The orbiter is on a 10 year voyage to get new images of the sun. That will include the first images of the poles that will help scientists understand how solar winds impact the Earth.

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