On December 24, the Parker Solar Probe achieved a historic feat by flying closer to the sun than any spacecraft before, reaching within 3.8 million miles. During this 22nd flyby, Parker set a new speed record, traveling at 430,000 mph, aided by gravity boosts from Venus flybys. Despite temporary loss of contact, NASA expects confirmation of Parker's survival by December 27. Parker's primary mission is studying the sun’s corona to solve the 'coronal heating problem,' where temperatures inexplicably exceed those of the sun's surface. Two more close flybys are planned in 2025.