Konstantin Sukharnikov Scientific instrumentation

A hobby. An independent overview compiled from public sources by a science and space enthusiast. I am not involved in these missions or facilities; my own work is detector electronics at European XFEL. My projects →

Mission · Sun

Parker Solar Probe

Solar probe

Status
Extended mission
Launched
12 Aug 2018
Target
The Sun (corona)
Agencies
NASA, JHU APL
Next
≈ Dec 2026 perihelion 30 (estimated from the 88-day orbit)

Summary

The spacecraft that "touches" the Sun: since 24 December 2024 it has passed 6.1 million km from the surface at about 690,000 km/h, records for closeness and speed for any human-made object.

Now as of 3 Nov 2026

After the 2026 Heliophysics Senior Review the mission was extended to 2029 (reported by Wikipedia, citing NASA). Perihelia in 2026: number 27 on 11 March, 28 on 8 June, 29 on 4 September (UCAR WHPI). The next, number 30, should come around early December based on the 88-day orbit; that is an estimate, not an official date.

Key dates

  1. 12 Aug 2018Launch (Delta IV Heavy)done
  2. 6 Nov 2024Seventh and final Venus flybydone
  3. 24 Dec 2024First record perihelion (6.1 million km)done
  4. 4 Sep 2026Perihelion 29done
  5. ≈ Dec 2026Perihelion 30 (estimate)planned

Timeline

  1. 2026Mission extended to 2029 — Wikipedia