NASA delays James Webb Space Telescope launch after processing "incident"
CBSAPR 2022
NASA Probe Makes Record-Setting Solar Fly-by
Above: The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket payload fairing with the NASA and Parker Solar Probe emblems on Aug. 8, 2018 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Image copyright: NASA Handout/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
On Christmas Eve, NASA's Parker Solar Probe gave humanity its closest encounter with our star. The unprecedented milestone, diving within 3.8M miles of the Sun's surface — a mere whisper by cosmic standards — exemplifies resilience and the relentless quest to illuminate the secrets of our solar system. Enduring searing temperatures, it ventured into the Sun's corona — illuminating a mystery scientists have pursued for centuries.
Narrative B
NASA's relentless pursuit of cosmic milestones, like the Parker Solar Probe's perilous journey to the sun, raises questions about its purpose. Despite technical marvels and solar insights, such projects often seem detached from practical impact. Stunning achievements aside, the staggering costs and energy devoted appear disproportionate to their tangible benefits, shedding light on the true utility of these ventures. This is a dazzling yet arguably unnecessary display of human ingenuity.