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NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has set a new speed record, racing through the Sun’s corona at 687,000 km/h. This is the fastest speed ever achieved by a spacecraft

Launched in 2018, the Parker probe gathers crucial data on solar phenomena, aiding in safeguarding technology and preparing for future missions. (News18)
Millions of kilometres from Earth, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is hurtling through the Sun’s blistering heat. This remarkable spacecraft has ventured closer to the Sun than any before and reached a record-breaking speed of 687,000 kilometres per hour, unmatched by any other object in the universe.
Recent Solar Encounter
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Between September 10 and 20, 2025, the Parker Solar Probe completed its latest solar encounter, its fourth major flyby, passing through the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere.
On September 18, the probe sent a signal back to Earth confirming all systems were normal, much to the relief of scientists.
During the solar encounter, the probe maintained its incredible speed of 687,000 km/h, a pace it previously achieved in December 2024, and March and June 2025, equivalent to travelling nearly 190 kilometres every second.
Mission To Unravel The Sun’s Mysteries
Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe’s mission is to explore the Sun by effectively ‘touching’ it. As it traverses the corona, the probe gathers crucial data on solar phenomena, including solar wind, flares, and coronal mass ejections. These solar events influence space weather, capable of disrupting satellites, power grids, and posing risks to astronauts.
Each data collection by the Parker aids in safeguarding our technological future.
Scientific Instruments And Data Collection
The probe, equipped with four scientific instruments, continuously measures the energy emitted from the Sun’s surface. This is particularly vital now, as the Sun is in the active phase of its 11-year cycle, characterised by frequent solar flares and intense solar winds, making Parker’s data especially valuable.
Preparing For The Next Mission
The spacecraft is already preparing for its next mission, expected post-2026. NASA has anticipated that detailed scientific data from this recent encounter will arrive on Earth from the last week of September 2025.
This information will enhance our understanding of the Sun’s power and help make future missions to the Moon and Mars safer.
United States of America (USA)
September 24, 2025, 18:52 IST
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