{
  "id": "nasa-parker-solar-probe",
  "title": "Parker Solar Probe",
  "maker": "NASA / Johns Hopkins APL",
  "maker_type": "Space agency",
  "kind": "mission",
  "category": "observatories",
  "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/nasa-parker-solar-probe/",
  "website": "https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12992",
  "summary": "NASA Sun probe shielded by a carbon-carbon and carbon-foam heat shield with a white ceramic coating.",
  "application": "NASA's probe that flies through the Sun's corona to measure the solar wind, magnetic fields and energetic particles. A carbon heat shield keeps the instruments near room temperature while the shield face heats to about 2,500 F. It has made the closest approaches to the Sun of any spacecraft.",
  "story": {
    "headline": "Parker Solar Probe is the NASA spacecraft that has flown closer to the Sun than any other.",
    "intro": [
      "Parker Solar Probe was designed and built by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for NASA. It flies through the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, to measure magnetic fields, energetic particles and the solar wind, the stream of particles flowing off the Sun.",
      "A heat shield 2.43 m across protects the instruments. It is two carbon-carbon panels with a carbon foam core between them, and the foam is 97% air. The shield weighs only about 160 lb, yet its face reaches nearly 2,500 F while the instruments stay near room temperature."
    ],
    "built": [
      {
        "title": "The heat shield",
        "text": "Two panels of carbon-carbon composite sandwich a carbon foam core 4.5 inches thick. The outer panel carries a sprayed white coating based on aluminium oxide, with a tungsten layer thinner than a hair between coating and shield. The whole shield rests on a titanium truss.",
        "parts": [
          "Heat shield face sheets (2)",
          "Heat shield core",
          "Sun-facing coating",
          "Coating barrier layer",
          "Titanium truss under the heat shield"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Cooling the solar arrays",
        "text": "Water circulates through mini-channels in the solar arrays and through four radiators, absorbing heat. The radiator tubes are titanium, which will not corrode, and the fins are aluminium, just two hundredths of an inch thick. Parker is the first scientific mission to use water-cooled solar arrays.",
        "parts": [
          "Coolant",
          "Mini-channels in the solar arrays",
          "Radiator tubes (x4 radiators)",
          "Radiator fins",
          "Heated accumulator tank"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Antennas and sensors",
        "text": "The FIELDS instrument has four electric-field antennas, each 2 m long and made of niobium alloy C-103, which can withstand extreme temperatures. The Solar Probe Cup, a metal device that catches charged particles, has a heat shield of the same alloy and uses sapphire to keep its parts electrically separate.",
        "parts": [
          "FIELDS electric-field antennas V1 to V4 (x4)",
          "Solar Probe Cup (SPC)",
          "Solar Probe Cup heat shield",
          "Solar Probe Cup sapphire insulators"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Thrusters and wheels",
        "text": "Twelve MR-111C thrusters use hydrazine propellant, each producing one pound of thrust. They handle attitude, momentum and trajectory control. Reaction wheels also help reposition the spacecraft within the shadow of the heat shield.",
        "parts": [
          "Propellant tank and feed system",
          "MR-111C hydrazine thrusters (x12)",
          "Reaction wheels (number not stated)"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "materials": [
      {
        "name": "Carbon-carbon composite",
        "mid": "carbon-carbon",
        "where": "The two face sheets of the heat shield, which sandwich the foam core."
      },
      {
        "name": "Carbon foam",
        "mid": "carbon-foam",
        "where": "The 4.5-inch core of the heat shield. It is 97% air."
      },
      {
        "name": "Aluminium oxide (alumina)",
        "mid": "alumina",
        "where": "A white ceramic coating sprayed on the outer panel of the heat shield."
      },
      {
        "name": "Tungsten",
        "mid": "tungsten",
        "where": "A layer thinner than a strand of hair between the shield and its white coating."
      },
      {
        "name": "Niobium alloy C-103",
        "mid": "niobium-c-103",
        "where": "The FIELDS instrument's four antennas and the heat shield of the Solar Probe Cup. It can withstand extreme temperatures."
      },
      {
        "name": "Deionised water",
        "mid": "water",
        "where": "The coolant that circulates through the solar arrays and the four radiators."
      }
    ],
    "connections": "Parker flew on a Delta IV Heavy, which burns an RS-68A in each of its three booster cores and an RL10B-2 in its second stage. Aerojet Rocketdyne made the probe's own twelve thrusters, the same model that helped steer New Horizons. Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies made the shield panels, Ultramet the foam, SolAero the solar arrays and United Technologies Aerospace Systems the cooling system.",
    "unknown": "Some details are still missing. The makers do not say which fibre and resin go into the carbon-carbon panels, or what small additions go into the white coating. The type of solar cell, the battery chemistry, the number of reaction wheels and the material of the main body are not published either.",
    "facts": [
      {
        "label": "Launch",
        "value": "12 August 2018"
      },
      {
        "label": "Spacecraft mass",
        "value": "1,510 lb (685 kg) at launch"
      },
      {
        "label": "Heat shield size",
        "value": "2.43 m diameter, 11.4 cm thick"
      },
      {
        "label": "Shield face temperature",
        "value": "Nearly 2,500 F (1,377 C)"
      },
      {
        "label": "Temperature behind the shield",
        "value": "about 30 C"
      },
      {
        "label": "Planned orbits",
        "value": "24 orbits over seven years"
      }
    ]
  },
  "specifications": [
    {
      "label": "Launch",
      "value": "12 August 2018",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/",
      "quote": "Launch Aug. 12, 2018"
    },
    {
      "label": "Spacecraft mass",
      "value": "1,510 lb (685 kg) at launch",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/",
      "quote": "Spacecraft Mass 1,510 pounds (685 kilograms) at launch"
    },
    {
      "label": "Heat shield thickness",
      "value": "4.5 in (11.43 cm)",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/",
      "quote": "4.5-inch-thick (11.43 cm) carbon-composite shield"
    },
    {
      "label": "Heat shield mass",
      "value": "About 160 lb",
      "source_url": "https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12992",
      "quote": "The heat shield itself weighs only about 160 pounds"
    },
    {
      "label": "Heat shield temperature",
      "value": "Nearly 2,500 F (1,377 C)",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/",
      "quote": "withstand temperatures reaching nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,377 Celsius)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Foam air content",
      "value": "97% air",
      "source_url": "https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12992",
      "quote": "the foam core is 97% air"
    },
    {
      "label": "Planned orbits",
      "value": "24 orbits over seven years",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/",
      "quote": "Over seven years, the spacecraft will complete 24 orbits around the Sun."
    },
    {
      "label": "Heat shield size",
      "value": "2.43 m diameter, 11.4 cm thick",
      "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/",
      "quote": "a 2.43-meter-diameter, 11.4-centimeter-thick heat shield"
    },
    {
      "label": "Temperature behind the shield",
      "value": "about 30 C",
      "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/",
      "quote": "to maintain a tolerable operating temperature of 30 degrees Celsius"
    },
    {
      "label": "Coolant volume",
      "value": "about five liters of deionized, pressurized water",
      "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
      "quote": "approximately five liters, deionized to remove minerals"
    },
    {
      "label": "Coolant operating range",
      "value": "10 C to 125 C",
      "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
      "quote": "the coolant would need to operate between 50°F (10°C) and 257°F (125°C)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Radiators",
      "value": "four, two released at launch and two later",
      "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
      "quote": "The water for the two unactivated radiators will remain in the storage tank for the first 40 days of flight"
    },
    {
      "label": "Water release",
      "value": "about two-thirds of a gallon at launch and one-third of a gallon later",
      "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/14/parker-solar-probes-solar-array-cooling-system-fully-activated",
      "quote": "released approximately two-thirds of a gallon of deionized water from a heated tank into two of four large radiators"
    },
    {
      "label": "Array temperature limit",
      "value": "below 302 F",
      "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/14/parker-solar-probes-solar-array-cooling-system-fully-activated",
      "quote": "keep the solar arrays — partially exposed to the Sun’s direct radiation — at less than 302 degrees"
    },
    {
      "label": "Transponder bands",
      "value": "Ka-band and X-band",
      "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Solar_Probe",
      "quote": "Ka-band, X-band"
    },
    {
      "label": "Launch vehicle performance",
      "value": "Delta IV Heavy lifts 14,210 kg to GTO",
      "source_url": "https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/divh_parkersolarprobe_mob.pdf",
      "quote": "Performance to GTO: 14,210 kg"
    }
  ],
  "features": [
    {
      "text": "Heat shield faces the Sun and protects the instruments",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/",
      "quote": "its instruments are protected from the Sun by a 4.5-inch-thick (11.43 cm) carbon-composite shield"
    },
    {
      "text": "Water-cooled solar array cooling system",
      "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/14/parker-solar-probes-solar-array-cooling-system-fully-activated",
      "quote": "first scientific mission to use a water-cooled solar array thermal management system"
    }
  ],
  "parts": [
    {
      "assembly": "Thermal protection system (heat shield)",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Heat shield face sheets (2)",
          "material": "carbon-carbon composite",
          "form": "two panels sandwiching a foam core",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "two panels of superheated carbon-carbon composite sandwiching a lightweight 4.5-inch-thick carbon foam core",
          "source_url": "https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12992",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "carbon-carbon"
        },
        {
          "part": "Heat shield core",
          "material": "carbon foam",
          "form": "4.5 in thick core, 97% air",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "two panels of superheated carbon-carbon composite sandwiching a lightweight 4.5-inch-thick carbon foam core",
          "source_url": "https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12992",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "carbon-foam"
        },
        {
          "part": "Sun-facing coating",
          "material": "aluminum oxide (alumina), doped",
          "form": "sprayed white coating",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "the team settled on a coating based on bright white aluminum oxide",
          "source_url": "https://earthsky.org/space/heat-shield-parker-solar-probe",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "alumina"
        },
        {
          "part": "Coating barrier layer",
          "material": "tungsten",
          "form": "layer between shield and coating",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "the engineers added a layer of tungsten, thinner than a strand of hair",
          "source_url": "https://earthsky.org/space/heat-shield-parker-solar-probe",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "tungsten"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Solar array cooling system",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Coolant",
          "material": "deionized water",
          "form": "circulated through mini-channels in arrays and four radiators",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "approximately two-thirds of a gallon of deionized water",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/14/parker-solar-probes-solar-array-cooling-system-fully-activated",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "water"
        },
        {
          "part": "Cooling system (complete, 6,000 W)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS), Windsor Locks, Connecticut",
          "quote": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (which manufactured the cooling system)",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "pumped-water loop that keeps the exposed solar arrays at about 160 C or below",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Cooling capacity",
              "value": "6,000 W at nominal capacity",
              "quote": "the system provides 6,000 watts of cooling capacity",
              "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
            },
            {
              "label": "Array temperature",
              "value": "320 F (160 C) or below",
              "quote": "The cooling system will keep the arrays at a nominal temperature of 320°F (160°C) or below.",
              "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Radiator tubes (x4 radiators)",
          "material": "titanium (tubes; grade not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)",
          "quote": "four radiators made of titanium tubes (which won’t corrode)",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": "titanium",
          "mid": "titanium",
          "function": "carry the hot water through the radiators",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Supplier",
              "value": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)",
              "quote": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (which manufactured the cooling system)",
              "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Radiator fins",
          "material": "aluminum (fins; alloy not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)",
          "quote": "sporting aluminum fins just two hundredths of an inch thick",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": "aluminium",
          "mid": "aluminium",
          "function": "thin fins that shed heat to space",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Supplier",
              "value": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)",
              "quote": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (which manufactured the cooling system)",
              "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Heated accumulator tank",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "a heated accumulator tank that will hold the water during launch",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "holds the water during launch so it cannot freeze"
        },
        {
          "part": "Two-speed pumps",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "two-speed pumps; and four radiators made of titanium tubes",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "circulate the water between the arrays and the radiators"
        },
        {
          "part": "Latch valve",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "a latch valve will open to release the warm water into two of the four radiators and the solar arrays",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "opens after separation to release warm water into the first two radiators and the arrays"
        },
        {
          "part": "Mini-channels in the solar arrays",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Water flows through mini-channels embedded in the solar arrays to absorb heat",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/14/parker-solar-probes-solar-array-cooling-system-fully-activated",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "carry water through the array panels to absorb heat"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Spacecraft bus and structure",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Spacecraft bus",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (Laurel, Maryland)",
          "quote": "The spacecraft was designed and built by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.",
          "source_url": "https://sweap.cfa.harvard.edu/PSP_Spacecraft.html",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "carries the shield, arrays, propulsion, telecom and four instrument suites"
        },
        {
          "part": "Titanium truss under the heat shield",
          "material": "titanium (grade not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The shield sits atop a truss made of titanium",
          "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/",
          "profile": "titanium",
          "mid": "titanium",
          "function": "supports the thermal protection system; the cooling radiators sit within it",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Radiator location",
              "value": "radiator within the titanium truss",
              "quote": "pump water back and forth from a radiator within the titanium truss to shed heat into space",
              "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "White ceramic coating on the shield's outer panel (application)",
          "material": "ceramic-based white coating (composition not stated on this page)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Plasma Processes (Alabama); recipe by Johns Hopkins researchers",
          "quote": "created the recipe for a ceramic-based white coating that was sprayed evenly across the outer shield panel",
          "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "ceramic-white-coating-unspecified",
          "function": "reflects sunlight from the Sun-facing panel",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Supplier",
              "value": "Plasma Processes, Alabama",
              "quote": "by aerospace materials contractor Plasma Processes of Alabama",
              "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Electrical power",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Solar array wings (x2)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: SolAero Technologies (Albuquerque, New Mexico)",
          "quote": "SolAero Technologies of Albuquerque, New Mexico (which produces the solar arrays)",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "primary power source; two arrays release from launch locks and tilt away from the Sun near perihelion",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Count",
              "value": "two arrays",
              "quote": "except for the two solar arrays that power the spacecraft",
              "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
            },
            {
              "label": "Array exposure",
              "value": "outer edges bent up and extended beyond the shield near the Sun",
              "quote": "small slivers of array will be extended beyond the protection of the TPS",
              "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar cell cover glass",
          "material": "cover glass (type not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The cover glass on top of the photovoltaic cells is standard",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "cover-glass-unspecified",
          "function": "protective glass over the photovoltaic cells"
        },
        {
          "part": "Ceramic carrier under each solar cell",
          "material": "ceramic (type not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "A special ceramic carrier was created and soldered to the bottom of each cell",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "ceramic-carrier-unspecified",
          "function": "moves heat from the cell into the panel platen"
        },
        {
          "part": "Thermally conductive adhesive (cell carrier to platen)",
          "material": "thermally conductive adhesive (type not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "attached to the platen with a specially chosen thermally conductive adhesive",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "thermally-conductive-adhesive-unspecified",
          "function": "bonds the carrier to the platen while giving electrical insulation"
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar array launch locks",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "the solar arrays will release from their launch locks",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "hold the arrays stowed until the spacecraft separates; released autonomously"
        },
        {
          "part": "Battery",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "power from the cooled solar arrays will begin recharging the battery",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "stores power; recharged by the cooled arrays after launch (chemistry not stated)"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Propulsion",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Propellant tank and feed system",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Aerojet Rocketdyne (built and tested in Redmond, Washington; now L3Harris)",
          "quote": "the system consists of a propellant tank, feed system and 12 MR-111C hydrazine thrusters, each generating one pound of thrust",
          "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "holds and feeds the hydrazine to the thrusters",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Supplier",
              "value": "Aerojet Rocketdyne, now L3Harris (Redmond, Washington)",
              "quote": "built and tested at the L3Harris facility in Redmond, Washington",
              "source_url": "https://l3harris.com/newsroom/editorial/2024/12/l3harris-thrusters-position-nasa-probe-closest-approaches-sun"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "MR-111C hydrazine thrusters (x12)",
          "material": "hydrazine (propellant)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Aerojet Rocketdyne (now L3Harris)",
          "quote": "the system consists of a propellant tank, feed system and 12 MR-111C hydrazine thrusters, each generating one pound of thrust",
          "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "hydrazine",
          "function": "attitude and momentum control, momentum dumps and course corrections",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Supplier",
              "value": "Aerojet Rocketdyne, now L3Harris (Redmond, Washington)",
              "quote": "built and tested at the L3Harris facility in Redmond, Washington",
              "source_url": "https://l3harris.com/newsroom/editorial/2024/12/l3harris-thrusters-position-nasa-probe-closest-approaches-sun"
            },
            {
              "label": "Thrust each",
              "value": "1 lbf (about 4.4 N)",
              "quote": "12 MR-111C hydrazine thrusters, each generating one pound of thrust",
              "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne"
            },
            {
              "label": "Count",
              "value": "12",
              "quote": "12 MR-111C hydrazine thrusters, each generating 1 pound of thrust",
              "source_url": "https://l3harris.com/newsroom/editorial/2024/12/l3harris-thrusters-position-nasa-probe-closest-approaches-sun"
            },
            {
              "label": "Role",
              "value": "attitude and momentum control, and course corrections",
              "quote": "an in-space propulsion system supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne will provide attitude and momentum control, and course corrections",
              "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne"
            },
            {
              "label": "Heritage",
              "value": "same model as the thrusters on New Horizons",
              "quote": "Our thrusters on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe are the same model as those that helped steer the New Horizons spacecraft",
              "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Guidance and control",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Reaction wheels (number not stated)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "engaging movements from reaction wheels to reposition the spacecraft within the shadow again",
          "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Solar_Probe",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "reposition the spacecraft back into the shield's shadow; thrusters dump their momentum",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Momentum dumps",
              "value": "thrusters autonomously dump momentum",
              "quote": "autonomously uses its thrusters to remove (or “dump”) momentum",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/08/17/parker-solar-probe-marks-first-mission-milestones-on-voyage-to-sun"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar limb sensors",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "the thermal protection system, solar array wings, solar limb sensors, FIELDS instrument electrical field antennae, and SWEAP instrument solar particle cup",
          "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/sites/default/files/2024-09/34-04-Jones.pdf",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "light sensors that catch the first trace of direct sunlight at the shield edge so the spacecraft can re-center in the shadow",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Count",
              "value": "four light sensors",
              "quote": "This is done using four light sensors to detect the first traces of direct sunlight coming from the shield limits",
              "source_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Solar_Probe"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Telecommunications",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "High-gain antenna",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "the high-gain antenna, which Parker Solar Probe uses to communicate high-rate science data to Earth, was released from locks which held it stable during launch",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/08/17/parker-solar-probe-marks-first-mission-milestones-on-voyage-to-sun",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "sends high-rate science data to Earth; released from launch locks on 13 August 2018"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Science instruments: FIELDS",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "FIELDS electric-field antennas V1 to V4 (x4)",
          "material": "niobium C-103 alloy",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The 2-meter-long antennas are made of a niobium alloy, which can withstand extreme temperatures.",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "niobium-c-103",
          "function": "2 m whip antennas sticking out beyond the heat shield into sunlight",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Alloy",
              "value": "niobium C-103",
              "quote": "so they are made of niobium C-103, a high-temperature alloy that can withstand the intense solar heat",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/05/parker-solar-probe-continues-successful-commissioning-operations/"
            },
            {
              "label": "Deployment",
              "value": "deployed 2 September 2018",
              "quote": "On Sept. 2, four two-meter electric field antennas, part of the FIELDS instrument suite, were deployed.",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/05/parker-solar-probe-continues-successful-commissioning-operations/"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "FIELDS fifth electric-field antenna (V5)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The fifth antenna, which sticks out perpendicular to the others in the shade of the heat shield",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "sits in the shade of the heat shield for 3-D electric-field measurements at higher frequencies"
        },
        {
          "part": "Search-coil magnetometer (SCM)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "A search-coil magnetometer, or SCM, measures how the magnetic field changes over time.",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "tracks fast changes in the magnetic field close to the Sun"
        },
        {
          "part": "Fluxgate magnetometers MAGi and MAGo (x2)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Two identical fluxgate magnetometers, MAGi and MAGo, measure the large-scale coronal magnetic field.",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "measure the large-scale coronal magnetic field"
        },
        {
          "part": "Magnetometer boom",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "This boom contains three magnetometers and a fifth, smaller electric field antenna",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/08/17/parker-solar-probe-marks-first-mission-milestones-on-voyage-to-sun",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "boom carrying three magnetometers and the fifth electric-field antenna; fully deployed 13 August 2018"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Science instruments: WISPR",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "WISPR cameras (x2)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "two cameras with radiation-hardened Active Pixel Sensor CMOS detectors",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "image the corona and solar wind from afar",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Built by",
              "value": "Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, D.C.)",
              "quote": "WISPR was designed and developed by the Solar and Heliophysics Physics Branch at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "WISPR lenses",
          "material": "BK7 glass (radiation-hard grade)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The camera’s lenses are made of a radiation hard BK7, a common type of glass used for space telescopes",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "bk7-glass",
          "function": "optics of the two WISPR cameras"
        },
        {
          "part": "WISPR baffles and occulters",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Specially designed baffles and occulters reflect and absorb the residual stray light",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "absorb or reflect stray light diffracted off the heat-shield edge"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Science instruments: SWEAP",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Solar Probe Cup (SPC)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "SPC is what’s known as a Faraday cup, a metal device that can catch charged particles in a vacuum.",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Faraday cup mounted just beyond the shield that counts solar-wind ions and electrons",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Built by",
              "value": "Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory",
              "quote": "SWEAP was built mainly at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/"
            },
            {
              "label": "Grid temperature",
              "value": "up to 3,000 F",
              "quote": "can reach temperatures of 3,000 °F, glowing red while the instrument makes measurements",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar Probe Cup heat shield",
          "material": "niobium C-103 alloy",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Like the FIELDS antennas, Solar Probe Cup’s heat shield is constructed of niobium C-103.",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/parker-solar-probe/2018/09/05/parker-solar-probe-continues-successful-commissioning-operations/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "niobium-c-103",
          "function": "small shield around the cup"
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar Probe Cup sapphire insulators",
          "material": "sapphire",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The instrument uses pieces of sapphire to electrically isolate different components within the cup.",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": "sapphire",
          "mid": "sapphire",
          "function": "electrically isolate components inside the cup"
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar Probe Analyzers SPAN-A and SPAN-B",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "SPAN is composed of two instruments, SPAN-A and SPAN-B, which have wide fields of view",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "electrostatic analyzers with wide fields of view; SPAN-A sees electrons and ions, SPAN-B electrons only"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Science instruments: ISOIS",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "EPI-Lo",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "with an octagonal dome body supporting 80 viewfinders, each about the size of a dime",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "low-energy electron and ion spectrometer shaped like a sea urchin with 80 viewfinders",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Built by",
              "value": "Johns Hopkins APL and Caltech, with Southwest Research Institute and NASA Goddard",
              "quote": "was built largely at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, and Caltech in Pasadena, California",
              "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "EPI-Lo entrance foils",
          "material": "carbon-polyimide-aluminum foil",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "first passes through two carbon-polyimide-aluminum foils and then encounters a solid-state detector",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "carbon-polyimide-aluminum-foil",
          "function": "two foils that an ion crosses before reaching the solid-state detector"
        },
        {
          "part": "EPI-Hi (three particle sensors)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "EPI-Hi uses three particle sensors composed of stacked layers of detectors",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "higher-energy particle telescopes built from stacked detector layers"
        },
        {
          "part": "EPI-Hi silicon detectors",
          "material": "silicon",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "The front few layers are composed of ultra-thin silicon detectors made up of geometric segments",
          "source_url": "https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/parker-solar-probe-instruments/",
          "profile": "silicon",
          "mid": "silicon",
          "function": "front layers that find particle direction and reduce background noise"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "materials": [
    {
      "id": "carbon-carbon",
      "name": "carbon-carbon composite",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "carbon-foam",
      "name": "carbon foam",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "alumina",
      "name": "aluminum oxide (alumina), doped",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "tungsten",
      "name": "tungsten",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "water",
      "name": "deionized water",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "titanium",
      "name": "titanium (tubes; grade not stated)",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/titanium/"
    },
    {
      "id": "ceramic-white-coating-unspecified",
      "name": "ceramic-based white coating (composition not stated on this page)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "aluminium",
      "name": "aluminum (fins; alloy not stated)",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium/"
    },
    {
      "id": "cover-glass-unspecified",
      "name": "cover glass (type not stated)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "ceramic-carrier-unspecified",
      "name": "ceramic (type not stated)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "thermally-conductive-adhesive-unspecified",
      "name": "thermally conductive adhesive (type not stated)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "hydrazine",
      "name": "hydrazine (propellant)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "niobium-c-103",
      "name": "niobium C-103 alloy",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "bk7-glass",
      "name": "BK7 glass (radiation-hard grade)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "sapphire",
      "name": "sapphire",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/sapphire/"
    },
    {
      "id": "carbon-polyimide-aluminum-foil",
      "name": "carbon-polyimide-aluminum foil",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "silicon",
      "name": "silicon",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/silicon/"
    }
  ],
  "standards": [],
  "relations": [
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "Delta IV Heavy (United Launch Alliance)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "launched 12 August 2018 from Space Launch Complex-37, Cape Canaveral",
      "quote": "A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket will deliver NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to an interplanetary trajectory to the sun.",
      "source_url": "https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/divh_parkersolarprobe_mob.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "RS-68A engine (x3, Delta IV Heavy booster cores)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "each of the three common booster cores burns one RS-68A; 702,000 lb thrust each",
      "quote": "Booster propulsion is provided by three liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen-burning RS-68A engines.",
      "source_url": "https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/divh_parkersolarprobe_mob.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "RL10B-2 engine (Delta Cryogenic Second Stage)",
      "target_slug": "ula-rl10",
      "note": "single RL10B-2 on the second stage, 24,750 lb thrust; RL10 family hub is ula-rl10",
      "quote": "with a single RL10B-2 engine that produces 24,750 lb of thrust",
      "source_url": "https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/divh_parkersolarprobe_mob.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "STAR 48BV solid rocket motor (third stage)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "third stage built by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems; burned after second-stage separation",
      "quote": "Built by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, this stage includes a transition ring, avionics, STAR 48BV motor, aft skirt and a launch vehicle adapter.",
      "source_url": "https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/divh_parkersolarprobe_mob.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "carries",
      "target": "MR-111C hydrazine thruster (x12)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Aerojet Rocketdyne 1 lbf monopropellant thrusters used for attitude, momentum and trajectory control",
      "quote": "the system consists of a propellant tank, feed system and 12 MR-111C hydrazine thrusters, each generating one pound of thrust",
      "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "Aerojet Rocketdyne (now L3Harris)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "built the full in-space propulsion system, plus the launcher's RS-68A and RL10B-2 engines",
      "quote": "Aerojet Rocketdyne also supplied the RL10B-2 second stage engine and 12 MR-106 reaction control thrusters on the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage",
      "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "manufactured the solar array cooling system",
      "quote": "United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (which manufactured the cooling system)",
      "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "SolAero Technologies",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "produced the solar arrays",
      "quote": "SolAero Technologies of Albuquerque, New Mexico (which produces the solar arrays)",
      "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "built the carbon-carbon shield panels",
      "quote": "The shield panels, built by secondary contractor Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies of Texas",
      "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "Ultramet",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "supplied the carbon foam for the shield core",
      "quote": "The shield’s carbon foam supplied by secondary contractor Ultramet of California",
      "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "Plasma Processes",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "sprayed the white ceramic coating on the outer shield panel",
      "quote": "by aerospace materials contractor Plasma Processes of Alabama",
      "source_url": "https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/taking-on-the-sun/"
    },
    {
      "type": "operated_by",
      "target": "Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "designed and built the spacecraft and runs mission operations",
      "quote": "Mission Design and Management NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center / Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/missions/parker-solar-probe/"
    },
    {
      "type": "heritage_of",
      "target": "New Horizons",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "the MR-111C thrusters are the same model that steered New Horizons toward Pluto",
      "quote": "Our thrusters on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe are the same model as those that helped steer the New Horizons spacecraft",
      "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/on-parker-solar-probe-nasa-leaves-the-driving-to-aerojet-rocketdyne"
    },
    {
      "type": "heritage_of",
      "target": "MESSENGER",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "APL's MESSENGER taught the team how to design arrays that resist ultraviolet degradation",
      "quote": "We learned a lot about solar array performance from the [APL-built] MESSENGER spacecraft",
      "source_url": "https://jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/170621"
    }
  ],
  "not_published": "Carbon-carbon fibre and resin, foam supplier grade, dopant identity, structure of the spacecraft body, solar-cell type, radiator tube material (titanium tubes appear only in secondary press) and insulation are not stated on the primary NASA pages read. The alumina and tungsten details come from EarthSky, which cites Johns Hopkins; the original JHU page was not retrievable. More detail: Not published on the pages read: battery chemistry and maker, reaction wheel and star tracker count and makers, flight computer, low-gain and fan-beam antenna details, high-gain antenna size and maker, propellant tank material and propellant load (DLA page with the 178 lb figure returned 403), solar cell type, and the structural materials of the bus panels. Aerojet Rocketdyne is now part of L3Harris; UTAS is now Collins Aerospace. The 12 MR-106 thrusters in the SpaceNews text are on the launcher's second stage, not on the probe. The Springer mission paper (Fox et al. 2016) and the APL spacecraft pages could not be fetched, so the bus subsystem list is shorter than it could be. More detail: The white ceramic coating on the shield is already in the entry bom (alumina); Aerospace America adds that Plasma Processes sprayed it and APL researchers made the recipe, recorded in relations only. Not published on the pages read: battery chemistry and maker, reaction wheel and star tracker count and makers, flight computer, low-gain and fan-beam antenna details, high-gain antenna size and maker, propellant tank material and propellant load (DLA page with the 178 lb figure returned 403), solar cell type, and the structural materials of the bus panels. Aerojet Rocketdyne is now part of L3Harris; UTAS is now Collins Aerospace. The 12 MR-106 thrusters in the SpaceNews text are on the launcher's second stage, not on the probe. The Springer mission paper (Fox et al. 2016) and the APL spacecraft pages could not be fetched, so the bus subsystem list is shorter than it could be.",
  "depth": "partial",
  "photos": [
    {
      "file": "products/context/nasa-parker-solar-probe-1.jpg",
      "alt": "Parker Solar Probe with its carbon-composite heat shield on top, mated to its third-stage rocket motor, Astrotech, July 16",
      "long": "Parker Solar Probe with its carbon-composite heat shield on top, mated to its third-stage rocket motor, Astrotech, July 16, 2018, with APL technician for scale.",
      "kind": "product",
      "credit": "NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Ed Whitman (http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=88) / via Wikimedia Commons",
      "license": "Public domain",
      "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parker_Solar_Probe_mated.jpg"
    },
    {
      "file": "products/context/nasa-parker-solar-probe-2.jpg",
      "alt": "Parker Solar Probe in the APL clean room, September 25, 2017, with the thermal protection system (heat shield) installed on",
      "long": "Parker Solar Probe in the APL clean room, September 25, 2017, with the thermal protection system (heat shield) installed on top.",
      "kind": "product",
      "credit": "NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa_goddard/37081276970/) / via Wikimedia Commons",
      "license": "CC BY 2.0",
      "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parker_Solar_Probe_Gets_Its_Revolutionary_Heat_Shield.jpg"
    },
    {
      "file": "products/context/nasa-parker-solar-probe-3.jpg",
      "alt": "Engineers at APL preparing the Parker (Solar Probe Plus) spacecraft bus for thermal vacuum testing, shown without the heat",
      "long": "Engineers at APL preparing the Parker (Solar Probe Plus) spacecraft bus for thermal vacuum testing, shown without the heat shield and with cabling.",
      "kind": "product",
      "credit": "NASA (http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=19) / via Wikimedia Commons",
      "license": "Public domain",
      "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Preparation_of_the_developing_Solar_Probe_Plus_spacecraft_for_thermal_vacuum_tests.jpg"
    }
  ],
  "context": {
    "size": [],
    "mass": [],
    "orbit": [
      "Deep space"
    ]
  },
  "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.",
  "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp"
}