⏰ when
When did the first spacecraft reach the Sun’s vicinity and begin solar orbit studies?
SpaceSun
Quick Answer
Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018 and began its series of close solar encounters soon after, becoming the closest-ever mission to the Sun.
The Full Story
NASA launched Parker Solar Probe on August 12, 2018. The spacecraft used repeated Venus flybys to shrink its orbit and approach the Sun more closely than any previous probe. Its goal is to study the Sun’s corona, solar wind, and magnetic fields from extreme distances. It has set multiple records for closest approach to the Sun.
Key Facts
1.Launched in 2018
2.Uses Venus gravity assists
3.Closest-ever mission to the Sun
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The spacecraft that went where nothing had gone before: deep into the Sun’s neighborhood."