The Parker Solar Probe’s speed is due to the force of gravity as it falls towards the Sun, reaching speeds that will allow it to travel from New York to London in less than 30 minutes. His Parker project began in 2018 with the aim of making multiple passes close to the Sun, each coming closer than the previous.
This incredible challenge faces multiple potential complications, including thermal, as temperatures at the front of the spacecraft can approach 1,400°C (2552°F).
The plan for the solar probe is to make a quick entry, a quick retreat, and take measurements as quickly as possible. Measurements are taken by several instruments, which are protected by a substantial heat shield. The researchers hope this data will provide scientists with new insights into some of the sun’s key processes, including a better understanding of the sun’s corona and outer atmosphere.