Scientists' delight at solar probe decision
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scientists reacted with delight yesterday after hearing that the European Space Agency is to relaunch the Cluster mission of spacecraft to study the Sun, writes Charles Arthur.
The original launch ended in spectacular failure last June when the Ariane- 5 rocket carrying the scientific instruments blew up less than a minute after takeoff.
"This is great news," said Professor Alan Johnstone of the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, who lost years of work in the explosion. "It has been a long campaign with a lot of ups and downs, but I'm happy this will happen, in the circumstances."
Apart from an abstention by Italy, the member countries of ESA agreed yesterday to buy two Russian Soyuz rockets for the launch, and to rebuild all four scientific instruments that were originally lost in the explosion. Previously, the ESA had been considering a cheaper option which would involve fewer instruments. That, however, would have provided less scientific data.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments