Part 6/12:
However, for a spacecraft to fall into the sun, the goal is to reduce, not increase, its orbital velocity. Gravitational assists can help in this regard, but only up to a point. The closer the orbit gets to the sun, the fewer planets are available to perform useful assists, especially since Venus is the last significant helper for such orbital modifications.
Surviving Near the Sun: The Engineering Marvels
Even if a spacecraft manages to slow down and reach a close orbit, survival becomes a whole new issue: the harsh environment of the sun. Temperatures can soar into millions of degrees Fahrenheit, vaporizing any traditional spacecraft in seconds.