Parker Solar Probe “A okay” After Close Solar Approach on This Week @NASA – November 9, 2018 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Parker Solar Probe is collecting data after flying close to the Sun, Orion spacecraft received its European Service Module, and upcoming missions to Mars and asteroid Bennu.

Key Insights

• 👾 The Parker Solar Probe is operational and collecting data on the Sun's corona and space weather.
• 👾 The European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft has been received, marking progress towards future space exploration missions.
• 🎟️ The InSight mission to Mars and upcoming encounters for OSIRIS-REx and New Horizons showcase NASA's focus on planetary exploration.
• 👾 Recovery tests for Orion in various conditions are underway to ensure successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean after deep space missions.
• 🇲🇭 NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine emphasized the critical role of the InSight lander for future human exploration on Mars.
• 🇳🇨 The New Horizons spacecraft will achieve the farthest probe flyby when it encounters Ultima Thule in the Kuiper Belt.
• ✈️ Flight cable harnesses assembled at Langley Research Center will support Mars 2020 mission's entry into the Red Planet's atmosphere.

Transcript

An update on our mission to the Sun … Preparations continue for Orion’s upcoming flight test … And a science chat about two upcoming out-of-this-world encounters … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA! Signals from our Parker Solar Probe indicate the spacecraft is alive and well after skimming by the Sun at just 15 million mil... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the Parker Solar Probe mission?

The Parker Solar Probe aims to study the Sun's corona and improve space weather forecasts that affect spacecraft, astronauts, and communication on Earth.

Q: What is the European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft?

The European Service Module powers, propels, and cools the Orion during its first uncrewed flight test, showcasing the ability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond.

Q: What is the goal of the InSight mission to Mars?

The InSight mission will create a 3-D image of Mars' interior to aid in future human exploration and understand potential risks for astronauts.

Q: What significant missions are upcoming for OSIRIS-REx and New Horizons?

OSIRIS-REx will arrive at asteroid Bennu and collect a sample to return to Earth, while New Horizons will make the farthest space probe flyby in history when it encounters Kuiper Belt object Ultima Thule.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Parker Solar Probe is operating successfully after passing close to the Sun, collecting valuable data on space weather.

• The European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft has been received at the Kennedy Space Center, marking progress towards future Moon and beyond missions.

• The upcoming InSight mission to Mars aims to create a 3-D image of the planet's interior, while the OSIRIS-REx mission will arrive at asteroid Bennu and return a sample to Earth in 2023.