[ad_1]
According to NASA, the Parker Solar Probe mission will require 55 times more energy than needed to reach Mars.
It was launched on a Delta United Heavy Alliance, one of the most powerful rockets in the world, with a third step.
But its trajectory and speed are essential to reach the correct orbit.
NASA explains that Earth, and everything on it, travels at about 67,000 miles an hour in a lateral direction to the sun.
The Parker probe passes in front of the sun, so it will be necessary to remove approximately 53 000 miles at the hour, according to the space agency.
The Parker Solar Probe runs around Venus seven times in total, each pass slowing it down and bringing it closer to the sun. These orbits are displayed in the animation above
This will require a boost from the powerful Delta IV rocket, and several gravity assistants from Venus to slow it down.
The probe will rely on a series of gravity measurements helping Venus slow down its lateral movement, allowing it to be only 3.8 million kilometers from the sun's surface.
"In this case, rather than speeding up the spacecraft, as in a typical gravitational drive, Venus slows its lateral motion so the spacecraft can get closer to the sun," NASA says.
"When it gets closer, Parker Solar Probe will have lost much of its lateral speed, but it has gained a lot of speed thanks to the gravity of the sun.
"Parker Solar Probe will surpass the sun at 430,000 miles per hour."
At its closest approach, it will be just 3.8 million kilometers from the sun's surface, making it the only spacecraft to have ventured so close.
Source link
