Solar dynamics observatory (image: NASA)
*Three surviving shuttle orbiters will each make their final flights in 2010. After Discovery’s wheels hit the runway next September they will head for museums.
*The first Falcon 9 rocket built by SpaceX is slated to launch in March on its maiden test flight during a demonstration mission.
*French solar orbiter PICARD will be launched in early 2010. Mission dedicated to the study of the Earth’ climate and Sun variability relationship.
*The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) was already launched on February 3. It is a NASA mission which will also observe the Sun for over five years.
*Akatsuki (meaning dawn), formerly known as PLANET-C and Venus Climate Orbiter, is a Japanese unmanned spacecraft to explore Venus. It is planned for launch in May, with arrival in December for a mission of two years or more.
*Chang’e 2 is an un-manned lunar probe scheduled for launch in October. It will be China’s second lunar orbiter.
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