# Solar Exploration NASA & ESA Plan Missions to Answer Burning Questions By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-04-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-exploration-nasa-and-esa-missions-to-answer-questions-about-the-sun References: [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/space/5220747/Space-missions-to-visit-the-sun.html) & [solarprobe.jhuapl.edu](http://solarprobe.jhuapl.edu/education/funFacts.php) Humanity’s fascination with the sun is nothing new, but our technology has come a long way from Icarus’ wings of feathers and wax. There are plans currently underway for two major solar exploration projects: The [European Space Agency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galaxy-time) (ESA) with [NASA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-telescope-design) backing plans to launch the [Solar Orbiter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-clipse-2). The probe will orbit the sun to give scientists a never-before-seen view of its poles. Mission launch is expected in 2017. Design work is in progress. In addition, NASA plans to launch Solar Probe Plus in May 2015 on a seven-year mission. The probe will circle Venus seven times, each time entering more deeply into the sun’s atmosphere. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Solar Exploration:** Opportunity for advancements in solar technology and space exploration through the development of new probes and missions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Aerospace:** Opportunity for aerospace companies to collaborate with NASA and ESA in the development of solar exploration missions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Advanced Telescope Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-telescope-design.md) - [Global Space Craft Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nasas-latest-initiative.md) - [Space-Launching Science Missions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1.md) - [Eclipse-Capturing Smartphone Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunsketcher.md) - [Vintage-Inspired Eclipse Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-eclipse-poster.md) - [STEM-Focused Writing Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-to-explore.md) - [Solar Eclipse Voyages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-cruise-voyages.md) - [Space Rv Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dianai-solar-sailer.md) - [AR Space Agency Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-nasa-app.md)