Ulysses-its status and prospects

Abstract

The Ulysses spacecraft is in a high-inclination solar orbit to reach the south polar regions of the Sun in mid-1994 and the north polar regions about one year later. The spacecraft and its nine scientific instruments are in good health. An extended mission, i.e. a second orbit with polar passes about half an 11-year solar cycle later, is scientifically of great interest and appears technically feasible. It will require funding approval by ESA and NASA.