Sun explorer spacecraft successfully launches with Imperial kit on board

The UK-built Solar Orbiter spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida and is now on its way to the Sun. Solar Orbiter carries 10 state-of-the-art instruments, including a magnetometer built by a team from Imperial's Department of Physics. To find out more about the mission and Imperial's contribution, take a look at our interactive feature. 'A beautiful launch'. Instrument Manager for the magnetometer, Helen O'Brien , said: " We just witnessed a beautiful launch. It was a warm night in Florida, with few clouds, providing a fabulous view. The rocket lifted off smoothly, and from my viewing point five miles from the pad, silently, as the roar of the engines took 25 seconds to reach us.