The Parker Solar Probe has passed at a record close distance from the Sun, accelerating to 635,266 km/h

More than five years ago, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe into space. It is designed to study the Sun and recently flew at a record distance from the star. In addition, the spacecraft has developed a record speed.

Here's What We Know

Parker Solar Probe first came close to the Sun in 2021. Now it is seven times closer to the star than Mercury. On 27 September 2023, the NASA spacecraft was able to establish two outstanding achievements at once.

Firstly, Parker Solar Probe flew only 7.26 million from the Sun. This allowed specialists of the space agency to collect important data on the solar wind. Secondly, the probe managed to accelerate to 635,266 kilometres per hour.

In order to do this, Parker Solar Probe made a gravitational manoeuvre near Venus, which allowed to correct the trajectory and get a little closer to the star. On its way to the Sun, the spacecraft missed Mercury.

Thus, Parker Solar Probe has made 17 flights near the Sun. The current approach will last until October 3, 2023. On the next day, the data transfer to Earth will begin. This procedure will last for a fortnight.

The next approach of Parker Solar Probe with the Sun is scheduled for December 29 this year. In total, the spacecraft has seven flights near our star as part of its mission.

Source: NASA