The spacecraft will study the solar system's edge, magnetic fields in interplanetary space, and remnants of exploded stars.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe successfully completed a close approach to the Sun, confirming normal system operations. Reaching speeds of 687,000 km/h, it matched its previous velocity record. The probe's fourth flyby collected crucial data on solar wind and flares,

NASA and SpaceX are set for the launch of the agency’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) from Florida on Wednesday morning. Joining IMAP atop a Falcon 9 are two additional rideshare payloads: NOAA’s Space Weather Follow On-Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) and the joint NASA/University of Illinois Carruthers Geocorona Observatory.

The sun has become more and more active over the last 16 years, in a turn that surprised scientists and could affect space weather, NASA said.

NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission has uncovered surprising behavior of pickup ions drifting through the solar wind near Earth. These particles, once thought to be minor players, appear capable of generating waves and influencing how the solar wind heats and evolves.

Data may challenge and reshape current models of solar wind evolution. A recent study led by Dr. Michael Starkey of the Southwest Research Institute has delivered the first observational evidence from

NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) completed its Flight Readiness Review on Sept. 18, which certifies its readiness to initiate final launch preparation activities.

The Parker Solar Probe equalled its record-setting speed of 687,000 km per hour that was set during its previous close approaches.