Parker solar probe sun

The Parker Solar Probe is the first spacecraft to enter the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, revolutionizing the study of our star.

About this subject

Launched on August 12, 2018 by NASA, the Parker Solar Probe is designed to get closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft. It withstands extreme temperatures up to 1377°C thanks to a carbon-composite heat shield that keeps instruments at about 30°C. The probe collects data on magnetic fields, plasma, and energetic particles, helping understand phenomena such as solar wind and coronal mass ejections.

One major challenge is the Sun's gravity: to achieve such proximity, Parker uses Venus gravity assists in seven planned flybys. In December 2024, it set a speed record for a human-made object, reaching 692,000 km/h. The mission is expected to last until 2025, with progressively closer approaches, culminating at just 6.2 million kilometers from the solar surface.

The probe is named after physicist Eugene Parker, who predicted the existence of the solar wind in the 1950s. It is the first NASA mission named after a living scientist. Data from Parker has already revolutionized our understanding, such as revealing that the Alfvén critical point at the Sun's atmosphere boundary is more complex than previously thought, altering our definition of where interplanetary space begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main mission of the Parker Solar Probe?

Its primary mission is to study the solar corona and understand how heat and energy move through the Sun's atmosphere, as well as to investigate the origin and acceleration of the solar wind.

Why doesn't the Parker Solar Probe melt?

It has a Thermal Protection System (TPS) made of carbon foam with a ceramic coating. This shield reflects most of the heat, keeping the instruments at a safe operating temperature.

How many times does the probe orbit the Sun?

The mission plans 24 orbits around the Sun, using Venus gravity assists to progressively lower the perihelion. As of 2024, it has completed over 17 approaches.