Solar Polar Orbiter
The trajectory of the proposed Solar Polar Orbiter mission that would enable it to fly over the poles of the sun. Credit: Composed by AJ Galaviz III, Southwest Research Institute; Sun image from Hassler et al.

WASHINGTON — A new decadal survey for solar and space physics recommends that NASA’s heliophysics program pursue two billion-dollar missions even as the agency proposes to cancel a recommendation from the previous decadal.

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

Jeff Foust writes about space policy, commercial space, and related topics for SpaceNews. He earned a Ph.D. in planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree with honors in geophysics and planetary science...