Head-to-head

Solar Orbiter vs Parker Solar Probe

These two missions are following slightly different paths with slightly different mission objectives. The Parker Solar Probe was designed to withstand radiation 475 times the intensity than at Earth, as opposed to the Solar Orbiter withstanding 13 times the intensity.

In terms of dimensions, the Solar Orbiter is a much larger piece of equipment, with a height of three metres (9.8 feet). Once the solar panels are spread out, it reaches a wing span of 18 metres (60 feet). The largest part of the Parker Solar Probe in comparison is the hexagonal carbon-composite heat shield, which is 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) in diameter.