Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NASA's Black Brant IX Rocket Soars for Solar Research

7/22/2025

47 5

Summary

Story summary

NASA successfully launched a Black Brant IX sounding rocket from White Sands, New Mexico, on July 18, 2024, embarking on a 15-minute mission to explore the sun's chromosphere. In just 90 seconds, the rocket soared into space, showcasing the efficiency of these smaller, budget-friendly vehicles designed for rapid scientific research, primarily launched from Virginia and Alaska.

1 of 1

Story summary

NASA successfully launched a Black Brant IX sounding rocket from White Sands, New Mexico, on July 18, 2024, embarking on a 15-minute mission to explore the sun's chromosphere. In just 90 seconds, the rocket soared into space, showcasing the efficiency of these smaller, budget-friendly vehicles designed for rapid scientific research, primarily launched from Virginia and Alaska.