Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe survives close brush with sun’s scorching surface

Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully made the closest approach to the sun, the space agency confirmed on Friday.

Launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun, Parker has since flown straight through its crownlike outer atmosphere, or corona.

With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the sun at this distance until at least September.

It is the fastest spacecraft built by humans, and hit 430,000mph (690,000kph) at closest approach.

It is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius).