The probe was launched in 2018 and first entered the solar atmosphere in 2021. Its latest achievement comes six months after the probe completed its 20th close approach to the sun, coming about 4.51 million miles from the solar surface and moving at about 394,736 miles per hour in June.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe made history on Tuesday with a record-breaking flight around the sun, the space agency has confirmed. The spacecraft set a new benchmark early on the morning of Dec. 24, coming within 3.

FILE – This image made available by NASA shows an artist’s rendering of the Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun. It’s designed to take solar punishment like never before, thanks to its revolutionary heat shield that’s capable of withstanding 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius). (Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins APL/NASA via AP, File)