Space technology reached its peak when a spacecraft reached hundreds of times the speed of sound while approaching a star.
The Parker Solar Probe has become a record-holder among man-made objects.
This NASA probe is designed to study the Sun at close range.
It accelerates thanks to gravity assist maneuvers.
The Parker probe has reached a speed of 635,000 kilometers per hour, Belnovosti reports. It is the fastest human-made object.
Its purpose is to study the Sun's corona, where temperatures are higher than on the surface. The data will help understand solar activity.
The probe's shield can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 1,370 degrees Celsius, allowing it to collect data in hazardous areas.
Maneuvers around Venus accelerate the probe using the planet's gravity. Each flyby brings it closer to its target.
The probe's instruments measure magnetic fields and plasma, revealing the secrets of the solar wind.
Launched in 2018, the probe has already broken several records. Future missions promise even greater speeds.
Solar research is important for protecting Earth from solar flares. The probe provides data for forecasts.
The probe's design includes compact instruments for precise measurements. It weighs only 685 kilograms.
The mission lasts seven years and includes 24 flybys. Each time, the probe moves closer to the Sun.
Parker is changing our understanding of stellar physics. His speed is the key to scientific discoveries.
Read also
- Endless Road: Which bridge can you drive on for 5 days and never cross?
- Why This House Is Recognized as the Narrowest: The Amazing Story of Life in 1 Meter
