NASA’s Parker spacecraft approached the Sun for the second time, coming within 6.1 million kilometers at a speed of 692,000 km/s to collect data. During its 23rd close pass to the Sun on March 22, NASA’s Parker spacecraft completed its closest second pass to the Sun to date. Parker approached the Sun at a distance of 6.1 million kilometers, reaching a speed of 692,000 kilometers per hour (430,000 miles per hour). This matches the record speed achieved by the spacecraft during its pass in December 2024.

With all scientific instruments active, the spacecraft collected important data from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. This pass by the Parker spacecraft allows for previously unattainable measurements of the solar wind and activities in the corona region.

FIRST HUMAN-MADE CRAFT TO ENTER THE CORONA Launched by NASA in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe spacecraft holds the distinction of being the closest human-made craft to the Sun and the first to enter the corona region. The probe is protected by a special heat shield designed to withstand extreme heat and radiation. These missions will contribute to a better understanding of the space environment that affects satellites, astronauts, and power grids on Earth.