"No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory," said Nick Pinkine, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). This unprecedented proximity to the Sun will provide crucial insights into its operation, significantly enhancing our understanding of solar phenomena and their effects on the solar system.
"The spacecraft has a 73 kg heat shield, measuring 11.4 centimeters thick with a diameter of 2.5 meters. Scientists reckon that the Sun-facing side of the carbon-composite shield will experience temperatures of about 1,000°C (1,832°F) during its flyby, but the instruments in the shield's shadow should remain at a more comfortable 29°C (84°F)." This engineering marvel underscores the challenges of studying the Sun without compromising the probe's sensitive instruments.
"The trajectory design called for 24 orbits of the Sun and seven gravity assist flybys of Venus, the last of which took place on November 6. December 24 represents the mission's closest approach to the Sun, and two more approaches are planned in 2025." This carefully planned trajectory showcases the innovative methods used to navigate the complexities of solar exploration.
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