5. Parker Solar Probe – Fastest Spacecraft Ever
The Parker Solar Probe, launched by NASA in 2018, is currently the fastest human-made object ever. As of 2025, it has reached speeds of over 430,000 mph (700,000 km/h) while orbiting the Sun.
The spacecraft is designed to “touch” the Sun by flying into its outer atmosphere, or corona, to collect data about solar winds, magnetic fields, and space weather. Its close approaches bring it within just a few million miles of the solar surface.
To survive, Parker is equipped with a carbon-composite heat shield that can withstand temperatures of 2,500°F (1,377°C). It uses the Sun’s gravitational pull to accelerate with each orbit — a maneuver known as gravity assist.
The data from Parker will help scientists predict solar storms that can disrupt life on Earth. But from an engineering standpoint, the speed and durability of this probe mark a revolutionary step in space exploration.
