NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has once again broken the record for the fastest human-made object, reaching an incredible speed of 394,736 mph (635,266 km/h) as it flew close to the sun’s surface on September 27. This surpasses the probe’s previous record set in November 2021, which was 364,660 mph (586,863 km/h).
However, the Parker Solar Probe didn’t just break speed records but also achieved a new distance record by coming within just 4.51 million miles (7.26 million km) of the solar surface. This marks the closest any spacecraft has ever orbited the sun, a remarkable accomplishment for NASA.
These impressive records were made possible through the gravity assistance from a close flyby of Venus on August 21. When the probe flew by Venus, the planet absorbed some of its orbital energy, allowing it to get even closer to the sun.
But the journey isn’t over yet for the Parker Solar Probe. It still has one more flyby planned and is expected to reach its closest approach to the sun in late 2024, at a mind-boggling distance of just 3.83 million miles (6.16 million km) from the surface. Scientists predict that the probe will achieve even higher speeds during this final trip around the sun, further solidifying its status as the fastest human-made object in history.
The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is crucial for understanding the sun’s behavior and uncovering the mysteries of its corona. By studying the sun up close, scientists can gather valuable data to improve our knowledge of space weather and protect satellites, communication systems, and power grids on Earth.
With each milestone achieved by the Parker Solar Probe, NASA expands its understanding of the sun and pushes the boundaries of space exploration. The probe’s groundbreaking achievements serve as a testament to human ingenuity and our constant pursuit of knowledge about the universe we inhabit.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Parker Solar Probe and its extraordinary journey as it continues to rewrite the record books and shed light on one of the most awe-inspiring celestial bodies in our solar system.
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