Solar probe embarks on unprecedented mission to map sun's polar regions(1/4)

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft, built for NASA and the European Space Agency, lifts off from pad 41 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket as the full moon is seen above at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., February 9, 2020. (Photo/Agencies)

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft, built for NASA and the European Space Agency, lifts off from pad 41 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., February 9, 2020. The full moon is shown above. (Photo/Agencies)

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft, built for NASA and the European Space Agency, lifts off from pad 41 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., February 9, 2020. (Photo/Agencies)

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft, built for NASA and the European Space Agency, lifts off from pad 41 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., February 9, 2020. (Photo/Agencies)