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. 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.