NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, on its journey to explore a metal-rich asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, has recently activated its blue-glowing electric thrusters to propel it on the next leg of its mission. These solar-powered thrusters, known as Hall thrusters, provide efficient and gradual acceleration in the vacuum of space. The spacecraft carries 2,030 pounds of xenon fuel, allowing its thrusters to operate continuously for years.
The Psyche mission is the first to explore a metal asteroid, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. The spacecraft is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to study Psyche’s composition, structure, and magnetic field. By understanding Psyche, scientists hope to learn more about the early history of our solar system and the processes that shaped the planets and asteroids we see today.
To reach its destination in 2029, Psyche will utilize a Mars gravity assist maneuver in 2026, boosting its speed. The spacecraft is currently traveling at around 84,000 mph, which will increase to 124,000 mph with the assistance of its thrusters. The Psyche mission is a testament to the advancements in space propulsion technology, enabling efficient and extended travel beyond Earth’s orbit.
The spacecraft’s first 100 days in space have been successful, with all systems operating nominally. The spacecraft is now in full cruise mode and is expected to arrive at Psyche in 2029. The Psyche mission is a major undertaking, but it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system and the processes that shaped our planet.
The Psyche mission is a partnership between NASA, Arizona State University, the Italian Space Agency, and the German Aerospace Center. The spacecraft was built by Maxar Technologies, and the mission is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
