NASA Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has made history by becoming the first spacecraft to “touch” the Sun, diving into its scorching corona to unravel long-standing solar mysteries. Launched in 2018, this mission aims to study solar wind acceleration, extreme coronal heating, and space weather impacts on Earth. With record-breaking speeds and cutting-edge heat shield technology, the probe provides crucial data for astrophysics and UPSC Science & Technology topics.
Context- Recently it was in news since it made another close brush with the sun, the second of three planned encounters through the sizzling solar atmosphere
What is NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission?
- NASA’s Parker Solar Probe (PSP) is the first spacecraft to “touch” the Sun by flying through its outer atmosphere, the corona.
- Launched on August 12, 2018, aboard a Delta IV Heavy rocket.
- Named after Dr. Eugene Parker, the astrophysicist who predicted the existence of the solar wind in 1958.
Key Objectives of the NASA Parker Solar Probe
The probe aims to answer key questions about the Sun:
- Why is the corona hotter than the Sun’s surface? (The corona reaches millions of degrees, while the surface is ~6,000°C).
- How is the solar wind accelerated? (The solar wind is a stream of charged particles affecting space weather).
- What accelerates solar energetic particles? (These particles can disrupt satellites and power grids).
- Understand Magnetic Fields- Study the role of magnetic fields in heating and accelerating solar material.
- Contribute to Space Weather Prediction
- Improve predictions of solar storms and their impact on Earth.
- Help safeguard satellites, power grids, and space missions from geomagnetic storms.
Major Discoveries & Achievements of the Parker Probe
- First spacecraft to enter the Sun’s corona (April 28, 2021).
- Closest approach to the Sun (3.8 million miles / 6.1 million km) on December 24, 2024.
- Fastest human-made object (430,000 mph / 700,000 km/h).
- Discovered magnetic “switchbacks” (zigzag structures in the solar wind).
How Does the NASA Parker Solar Probe Survive Extreme Heat?
- Heat Shield (Thermal Protection System)- Made of carbon-composite foam, 4.5 inches thick, withstands 1377°C while keeping instruments at room temperature.
- Autonomous Navigation- Operates independently near the Sun due to 8-minute communication delay with Earth.
- Venus Gravity Assists- Used 7 flybys of Venus to adjust orbit and get closer to the Sun.
Scientific Instruments Onboard the NASA Parker Solar Probe
- FIELDS (Fields Experiment) – Measures electric and magnetic fields.
- IS☉IS (IS☉IS -the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun) – Studies energetic particles.
- WISPR(Wide-field Imager for Solar Probe) – Takes images of the corona and solar wind.
- SWEAP(Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons) – Analyzes solar wind particles.
Why is the NASA Parker Solar Probe Important for Earth?
- Understanding the Sun-Earth Connection- Helps predict space weather (solar storms that disrupt satellites, power grids, and GPS).
- Contribution to Astrophysics- Improves understanding of stellar physics, aiding research on other stars.
- Advancements in Space Technology- Developments in heat-resistant materials and spacecraft engineering. Can be applied to future deep-space missions.
Challenges Faced by the NASA Parker Solar Probe
- Extreme Temperatures – Has to survive over 1,300°C heat near the Sun.
- High-Speed Particles – Constant bombardment by high-energy solar particles.
- Communication Delay – Takes about 8 minutes for signals to reach Earth.
Future of the Parker Solar Probe Mission (2025 & Beyond)
- Final close approaches scheduled for March 22 & June 19, 2025.
- Expected to complete 24 orbits before mission ends in 2025.
India’s Role in Solar Missions
- Aditya-L1 Mission (ISRO’s first solar mission) launched on September 2, 2023.
- It aims to study the corona, solar emissions, and solar wind.
- Complements Parker Solar Probe’s findings with additional Lagrange point (L1) observations.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper III – Science & Tech)
Q. Discuss the significance of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission in advancing our understanding of the Sun and its impact on space weather. How can this mission benefit technological systems on Earth? (250 words)
Key Points for Answer:
- Scientific breakthroughs (corona heating, solar wind, switchbacks).
- Technological advancements (heat shield, autonomous operations).
- Applications for Earth (space weather forecasting, satellite protection).
- Future implications for astrophysics and space exploration
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