Important passage Solar orbiter around Venus – Kosmonautix.cz

Solar Orbiter Makes History with Close Venus Flyby

On February 18, 2025, the European Space agency’s (ESA) Solar Orbiter spacecraft made history by achieving its closest ever approach to Venus, skimming the planet’s upper atmosphere at a mere 379 kilometers. This unprecedented maneuver, a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by the ESA’s team at the European Space Operations Center (ESOC), marks a important milestone in the mission’s pursuit of understanding the Sun and its influence on our solar system.

“When we get so close to the planet, it allows us to take advantage of its gravity to significantly change the probe’s trajectory without the use of a large amount of fuel,” explains Julia Schwartz, ESA flight dynamics expert. “The planets in our solar system orbit the Sun on roughly the same plane. This encounter with Venus will use the planet’s gravity to significantly tilt Solar Orbiter’s path compared to this level. This change will ensure that Solar Orbiter has a better view of the Sun’s polar regions, which cannot be observed from this plane.”

A trajectory tailored to Unseen Solar Phenomena

Future flybys of Venus will further refine Solar Orbiter’s trajectory, allowing it to eventually capture high-definition images of the entire polar regions of the Sun. Data gathered from these unique vantage points will provide invaluable insights into solar activity and enhance our ability to protect Earth’s technology from powerful solar eruptions and harmful space weather.

The close flyby presented numerous challenges for the ESOC team. Precise calculations and minor corrections were necessary before and during the maneuver to ensure Solar Orbiter passed safely and as planned. “The passage was carefully scheduled to get the probe close enough to Venus to make the maneuver as effective as possible, while keeping it safely above the planet’s atmosphere,” explains Sam Bammens, a member of the Solar Orbiter flight management team.

More Than Just a Pretty Picture: Scientific Instruments at Work

During the flyby, Solar Orbiter’s instruments, including its magnetometer and Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) suite, were actively collecting data on the magnetic and plasma environments surrounding Venus. These measurements will contribute to ongoing research on how the solar wind interacts with the atmospheres of planets beyond Earth.

This trip was not just a standalone endeavor. Shortly after Solar Orbiter, another European mission, Juice, will perform its own gravitational maneuver around Venus in August 2025, continuing the tradition of Venus as an vital stopover point for European interplanetary missions. These back-to-

What unique data and insights can we expect from this flyby?

Solar Orbiter’s Record-Breaking Venus Flyby: An Exclusive Interview with Julia Schwartz

Archyde News: Julia, congratulations on Solar Orbiter’s successful close Venus flyby! firstly, can you tell our readers why this maneuver was so significant?

Julia Schwartz (JS): Thank you. The Venus flyby was a crucial milestone for Solar Orbiter, allowing us to substantially alter its trajectory using the planet’s gravity. this will give us a better view of the Sun’s polar regions, which we can’t observe from our current orbital plane.

How did your team prepare for such a precise and challenging maneuver?

JS: It required meticulous planning and careful calculations. We had to ensure Solar Orbiter passed safely and as planned, close enough to make the maneuver effective, but also high enough to avoid the atmosphere. Our team worked tirelessly to get every detail right.

What unique data and insights can we expect from this flyby?

JS: Our instruments, like the magnetometer and Radio and Plasma Waves suite, collected data on Venus’ magnetic and plasma environments. This will contribute to our understanding of solar wind interactions with planets beyond Earth. Plus, its a vital step towards capturing high-definition images of the Sun’s entire polar regions.

Solar Orbiter isn’t the only European mission to use Venus’ gravity.What makes these gravitational assists so valuable?

JS: Venus is an ideal stopover for European interplanetary missions.Its gravity can significantly change a probe’s trajectory, saving propellant. Our upcoming Juice mission will also perform a Venus flyby in August 2025, demonstrating the planet’s importance in our exploration plans.

Looking ahead, what’s next for Solar Orbiter, and how can our readers stay informed about its future achievements?

JS: after this remarkable flyby, Solar Orbiter will continue its journey, capturing unprecedented close-up images of the Sun. Our readers can stay informed by following updates on ESA’s Solar Orbiter website or subscribing to Archyde’s space newsletters.

Julia, what message do you have for young scientists and engineers aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

JS: The universe is vast and full of mysteries yet to be explored. Be passionate, be dedicated, and never be afraid to dream big. The heavens await!