The Parker Solar probe.
First probe to be named for a living scientist.
First scientist to witness a launch of a probe named after them
Will be the fastest probe ever @ 430,000 miles per hour.
The heat shield is made of a 4.5-inch thick carbon composite foam material between two carbon fiber face sheets. While the Sun-facing side simmers at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, behind the shield the spacecraft will be a cozy 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Time to solve the mystery of why the sun's corona is hotter than the surface.
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3 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Beautiful and successful launch on Delta IV Heavy this morning!
vcg1234
Level 7
Aug 12, 2018
2
I bet it was impressive to watch
And as it slingshots around the sun, its chronometer will start counting backwards. 
p-nullifidian
Level 8
Aug 10, 2018
2
We if it's only 85 degrees, can I hitch a ride? What a story could be told!
starwatcher-al
Level 7
Aug 10, 2018
3
you bet that would be a blinding story to tell.
After all, at my age I'm open to almost anything. I wonder if that counts as almost?
You will be returned to stardust is the only drawback
@starwatcher-al almost counts.
@Anonbene We are stardust, million year old carbon. As the song was sung back then.
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