Archived articles

parker solar probe

Artist's rendering of the Parker Solar Probe
Outer space
Parker Solar Probe circles the sun
Published Nov 20, 2018
The data gathered during its orbit will be relayed back to mission control beginning Dec. 7
Parker Solar Probe mission control room
Parker Solar Probe phones home after racing around the sun
Published Nov 8, 2018
Mission controllers at Applied Physics Lab receive status beacon signal after spacecraft completes its first perihelion
Artist's rendering of the probe approaching the sun
Into the unknown
Parker Solar Probe readies for close encounter
Published Nov 5, 2018 Video
Tonight, the probe will reach its first perihelion, when it will pass within 15 million miles of the sun's surface
Artist's rendering of the probe approaching the sun
Parker Solar Probe
The fastest, hottest mission under the sun
Published Oct 31, 2018
Spacecraft shatters records as it prepares for its first solar encounter
Illustration of the solar probe flying through the sun's atmosphere
Taking the sun's measure
Published Fall 2018
The Parker Solar Probe is on its way to graze the sun, and the data it gathers may help answer some perplexing questions. / Johns Hopkins Magazine
Trajectory of parker solar probe
Parker Solar Probe
Liftoff
Published Aug 12, 2018
While most of the western hemisphere slept, an APL-built spacecraft prepared to make history
Parker Solar Probe approaches sun
Sun science
Can the Parker Solar Probe take the heat?
Published Aug 6, 2018
Researchers at the Applied Physics Lab develop a shield strong enough to protect the spacecraft's sensitive instruments from the heat of the sun
A spacecraft and fairing
Countdown begins
Cleared for launch
Published Aug 1, 2018
The Parker Solar Probe is making its way to the launchpad where it will lift off and begin its historic journey to the sun
Scientist assembles the Parker Solar Probe
NASA / APL
Behind the scenes with the Parker Solar Probe
Published July 16, 2018
Videographer Lee Hobson and photographer Ed Whitman spend their days documenting mankind's mission to "touch" the sun
Parker Solar Probe silhouetted against the massive, orange sun
Parker Solar Probe
Spacecraft's launch window delayed
Published June 18, 2018
Historic mission to the sun, managed by JHU's Applied Physics Lab, will now begin no earlier than Aug. 4