Parker Solar Probe
In-situ exploration of the solar corona and inner heliosphere.
Overview
Parker Solar Probe uses repeated Venus gravity assists to dive closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft, eventually entering the corona itself. Its in-situ measurements trace the solar wind back to its source and sample the Sun's outer atmosphere directly.
Key discoveries
- First spacecraft to fly through the solar corona (2021)
- Switchbacks and magnetic structure of the young solar wind
- Closest-ever approach to the Sun, at about 6.1 million km