A depiction of the Parker Solar Probe’s recent proximity to Venus. The spacecraft executed a close pass of Venus, positioning itself for a series of unparalleled orbits around the Sun. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben
Utilizing a Venus flyby, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe set the stage for its imminent record-setting orbits of the Sun, targeting an exploration of the Sun’s enigmatic phenomena under the ‘Living With a Star’ initiative.
On August 21, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe sped by Venus, leveraging the planet’s gravitational pull to align for a record-breaking series of solar flights, slated to commence next month.
At precisely 8:03 a.m. EDT, traveling at a speed of roughly 15 miles (more than 24 kilometers) per second, or 54,000 miles (85,000 km) per hour, the Parker Solar Probe was 2,487 miles (4,003 kilometers) above Venus’s surface, navigating around the planet in the direction of the inner solar system. Throughout the flyby, the mission operations team at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, maintained communication with the spacecraft via NASA’s Deep Space Network – barring an anticipated 8-minute interruption at the closest approach when Venus obstructed the path between Earth and Parker – and confirmed that the spacecraft was on trajectory and functioning properly.
An artist’s rendering of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe observing the sun. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL
Statements from the Mission Operations Manager
Nick Pinkine, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager from APL, affirmed that “Parker Solar Probe continues to proceed as planned to execute its most proximate solar flybys to date. Parker’s triumph reflects the collective efforts of the entire mission team, but my commendation is particularly directed at the mission operators for their five years of impeccable service to ensure the seamless functioning of this remarkable, history-making spacecraft.”
Pictured standing, Parker Solar Probe Mission Operations Manager Nick Pinkine and Project Manager Helene Winters engaged in dialogues about Parker’s Venus gravity assist flyby with spacecraft operations personnel at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory on August 21. Credit: NASA/ Johns Hopkins APL/Brooke Hammack
The Significance of Venus Gravity Assists
Parker Solar Probe’s approach to the Sun is made possible by Venus gravity assists, which are integral in maneuvering the spacecraft increasingly nearer to the Sun. By utilizing Venus’s gravity to reduce its orbital energy, the spacecraft can journey closer to the Sun. Since 2018, it has been probing the genesis and unveiling the mysteries of solar wind and related properties near the Sun.
The recent flyby marked the Parker mission’s sixth out of seven projected Venus gravity assists. This maneuver served to adjust Parker Solar Probe’s orbit, implementing a velocity alteration termed “delta-V,” and decreasing its orbital speed by about 5,932 miles per hour (9,547 kilometers per hour). This realignment prepared Parker Solar Probe for its ensuing five tight solar passes, with the initial one scheduled for September 27.
During each close proximity to the Sun (termed perihelion), Parker Solar Probe will either establish or equal its existing speed and proximity records, approaching within 4.5 million miles (7.3 million kilometers) of the solar surface, while advancing at nearly 394,800 miles (635,000 km) per hour.
Sarah Hefter, Guidance and Control Lead at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, supervises Parker Solar Probe’s journey around Venus at the Parker Mission Operations Center at APL on August 21. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Brooke Hammack
About the Living With a Star Program
Developed under NASA’s Living With a Star program, Parker Solar Probe is tasked with investigating components of the Sun-Earth relationship that have a direct influence on life and society. Managed at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, the Living With a Star program falls under the jurisdiction of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. APL was charged with the design, fabrication, and operation of the Parker Solar Probe, and additionally administers its mission on behalf of NASA.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Parker Solar Probe
What was the purpose of Parker Solar Probe’s recent Venus flyby?
The recent Venus flyby by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe was utilized to set the spacecraft on course for a series of record-setting orbits around the Sun. It leveraged Venus’s gravitational pull to align for these orbits, aiming to explore the Sun’s enigmatic phenomena under the ‘Living With a Star’ initiative.
How did the Venus flyby affect the Parker Solar Probe’s speed and trajectory?
The Venus flyby served as an orbit maneuver for Parker Solar Probe, implementing a velocity alteration known as “delta-V,” and decreasing its orbital speed by about 5,932 miles per hour (9,547 kilometers per hour). This realignment prepared the spacecraft for its subsequent five close solar passes.
What is the main goal of the Parker Solar Probe’s mission?
The main goal of the Parker Solar Probe’s mission is to explore aspects of the Sun-Earth system that directly affect life and society. Since 2018, it has been probing the origins and unveiling the mysteries of solar wind and other properties near the Sun, as part of NASA’s Living With a Star program.
Who is responsible for designing, constructing, and operating the Parker Solar Probe?
The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) was charged with the design, fabrication, and operation of the Parker Solar Probe. APL also manages the mission on behalf of NASA.
When is the first of Parker Solar Probe’s next five close passes by the Sun scheduled?
The first of Parker Solar Probe’s next five close passes by the Sun is scheduled to occur on September 27.
How close will Parker Solar Probe get to the Sun, and what speeds will it reach?
During each close approach (known as perihelion), Parker Solar Probe will set or match its own speed and distance records, coming to within just 4.5 million miles (7.3 million kilometers) from the solar surface, while moving close to 394,800 miles (635,000 km) per hour.
More about Parker Solar Probe
- NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Mission Overview
- Living With a Star Program
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
- NASA’s Deep Space Network
5 comments
So complex! Hard to understand all the science stuff but its certainly very impressive. Makes me proud of what humanity can acheive. Go Parker Solar Probe.
i really hope they get some great data from this, understanding the sun can change so many things for us here on earth. its a historical moment for sure.
Cant believe how fast it’s going, 54,000 miles per hour! The Parker Solar Probe is a real marvel of engineering. Just think what this could mean for future space travel.
This is so cool! Love the fact that we are explorig the sun up close. Never thought id see the day, kudos to NASA!
Didn’t know about the Living With a Star program. It’s fasinating how they can use Venus’s gravity to get closer to the sun. I mean, wow, what a time to be alive.