ESA a step nearer to Sun close up

The spacecraft that is hoping to take close up pictures of the Sun has had a major boost after tests on its sun shield were returned positive.

The ESA has blasted the protective shield with concentrated sunlight to see if it is capable of coping with the 520 degree C heat as it winds its way round our star, taking high resolution images and in-situ examinations.

The Solar Orbiter is due for launch in 2017.