Editorial observatory, continuously updated

How we verify information
EN
ES EN FR IT DE PT

heliophysics mission

Parker Solar Probe

NASA space probe launched in 2018 to study the solar corona and solar wind, the first spacecraft to fly through the Sun's atmosphere.

Active Verified 2026-10-20

Overview

Overview

The Parker Solar Probe (PSP) is a NASA spacecraft designed to explore the immediate vicinity of the Sun. Launched on August 12, 2018, its primary goal is to revolutionize our understanding of solar activity, specifically the heating of the corona and the acceleration of the solar wind. It is the first spacecraft to fly through the Sun's atmosphere (the corona), facing unprecedented heat and radiation conditions.

Scientific Objectives

The mission has three detailed science objectives: trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind; determine the structure and dynamics of plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind; and explore mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles. This data is critical for improving space weather forecasting, which impacts technology on Earth.

Trajectory and Operations

The probe uses an innovative trajectory involving seven Venus flybys to gradually shrink its heliocentric orbit. At closest approach, it reaches approximately 3.83 million miles (6.16 million kilometers) from the Sun's surface, traveling at 430,000 miles per hour. The thermal shield protects the payload, keeping it near room temperature (~85°F) while the front face withstands up to 2,600°F.

Current Status

The primary mission, which included 24 solar orbits, concluded in 2025. The probe remains active in its current orbit, continuing observations. Future mission steps from 2026 onward are formally under NASA review. The mission was named after Eugene Parker, the physicist who proposed the solar wind theory in the 1950s.

Essential data

Key fact
2360

Sources and references

  1. Voyager 1 — official profile NASA
  2. Timeline - NASA Science NASA
  3. NASA SP-6503 Introduction to the Derivation of Mission Requirements Profiles NASA
  4. The Mission - Parker Solar Probe NASA
  5. Astrophysics Explorers Program - NASA NASA
  6. Parker Solar Probe NASA
  7. NASA's Parker Solar Probe Makes History With Closest ... NASA
  8. Parker Solar Probe - Extended Mission NASA
  9. uranus-orbiter-and-probe-appendix-c. ... NASA
  10. Parker Solar Probe: Humanity's Closest Encounter with the ... NASA