NASA’s daring Parker solar probe broke its own speed record during a recent extremely close flyby of the Sun, with the help of gravitational assistance from Venus.
On September 27, Parker reached approximately 395,000 mph, surpassing its previous high of ~365,000 mph from November 2021. It also set a new solar proximity record.
Taking advantage of Venus’ gravity to accelerate towards the Sun
Parker takes advantage of flybys of Venus to shed orbital energy and approach the Sun’s surface on its unique elliptical path.
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This allows the probe to accelerate to tremendous speeds as it approaches the searing heat and intense gravity of the Sun.
Previous Record broken by the latest solar approach
Parker’s November 2021 record of around 365,000 mph seemed unattainable. But his final pass surpassed it by reaching a top speed of nearly 400,000 mph.
The September 2022 flyby demonstrates the value of Venus’ gravity assist in enabling extreme speeds.
Bringing the spacecraft closer to the Sun than ever
At its closest solar approach, Parker reached just 4.5 million miles from the Sun’s surface.
This breaks the previous record for closest solar pass by a human spacecraft.
Parker’s 2024 solar approach could deliver even faster speeds
Parker has one more Venus flyby planned, setting its closest encounter in 2024, which is predicted to take place less than 4 million miles from the Sun.
Final Epic Solar Pass in 2024
Parker’s grand finale will come in 2024, when it skims just 3.83 million miles from the Sun’s surface after Venus’ final slingshot.
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This dangerous final approach is likely to break Parker’s speed record again as gravitational forces are maximized.
Expanding the limits of solar proximity
If Parker survives, his 2024 pass will reveal invaluable information right on our star’s doorstep.
But the extreme environment puts incredible pressure on instruments and materials. It’s a bold bet.
Cementing its place in history
Regardless of the outcome of 2024, Parker has cemented his legendary status by pushing the boundaries of humanity.
It will remain the first spacecraft to “touch” the Sun and the fastest human object ever created.
Parker’s ambitious mission to unlock solar mysteries
The daring Parker Solar Probe aims to solve enduring mysteries about fundamental solar processes that are critical to predicting space weather.
Launched in 2018 for a 7-year mission
Parker took off in August 2018 on his ambitious seven-year journey to study the Sun’s corona and dynamics.
Getting very close is vital to accurately measure solar conditions.
Discovering the complex physics of the corona
A key goal is to unravel the complex physics of the superhot atmosphere of the Sun’s outer corona.
Understanding the corona helps predict solar storms and activity cycles that affect Earth.
Solving long-standing solar mysteries
Analysis of plasma motions, magnetic fields and other features will provide crucial missing clues.
This allows us to better understand the solar wind, flares, and other important processes that still baffle scientists.
The legacy will extend far beyond its mission
While providing fundamental solar insights, Parker’s bold advances inspire future exploration of inhospitable destinations.
Pushing the boundaries of spacecraft design
To survive the brutal environment, Parker took advantage of cutting-edge thermal engineering and armor.
The lessons learned will help future spacecraft investigate heat, cold, radiation and other extreme dangers.
Expanding the limits of human ambition
Parker embodies the spirit of adventure and the intrepid human ambition of space exploration.
It motivates us to expand the limits that were believed to be insurmountable before Parker’s impressive successes.
Pioneer for future solar studies
As the first spacecraft to comprehensively measure the solar corona, Parker paves the way for its successors.
His legacy as a pioneer will catalyze new generations of solar missions that will advance our knowledge.
Conclusion
The Parker Solar Probe’s speed records and proximity milestones demonstrate humanity’s exceptional potential to overcome immense obstacles that advance science. As he unravels solar mysteries, Parker’s daring journey inspires to broaden the horizons of possibilities for generations to come. according to nasa
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn