The launch will be carried out using the most powerful rocket in the hands of the US in order to reach and put the small spacecraft, which is the size of a piano, on a relatively fast track to Pluto. If NASA misses this opportunity, the duration of New Horizon's journey will be extended by at least five years
If there are no last-minute disruptions, NASA will launch the New Horizon spacecraft this evening (20:24 Israel time), which is supposed to study Pluto and the Kuiper belt. Due to the enormous distance from the sun, New Horizon will not be able to rely on the sun's energy to supply the electrical needs of the spacecraft's instruments and therefore it carries with it a small nuclear reactor powered by plutonium that will be sufficient for the nine-year flight to the edge of the solar system.
NASA said that it continues preparations despite the protests of protesters against the use of nuclear weapons. About thirty protesters protested near NASA's launch center in Cape Canaveral, claiming that a launch failure could cause plutonium to spread.
The launch will be carried out using the most powerful rocket in the hands of the US in order to reach and put the small spacecraft, which is the size of a piano, on a relatively fast track to Pluto. If NASA misses this opportunity, the duration of New Horizon's journey will be extended by at least five years.
