Space & Astronomy

NASA to launch probe that will 'touch the Sun'

By T.K. Randall
May 28, 2017

Image: Coronal Mass Ejection
Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / CC BY 2.0 (adapted) Set to venture seven times closer to the surface of the Sun than any other spacecraft has achieved before, the probe's ultimate goal will be to help scientists understand how stars operate as well as to better predict future space weather events.

At such close proximity to the Sun the probe will need to be able to withstand temperatures of up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time.To this end, scientists at NASA will be equipping the spacecraft with a 4.5-inch thick carbon-composite shield to help keep its internal technical components from being melted by the heat.

"This mission will provide insight on a critical link in the Sun-Earth connection," the space agency wrote. "Data will be key to understanding and, perhaps, forecasting space weather."

If all goes according to plan, the mission should be launching sometime next year.

Source: Tech Times

Tags: Solar Probe Plus, Sun