The Psyche spacecraft was launched on October 13, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. EDT. It took off from the iconic Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A, utilizing a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for its journey.
Psyche stands out in the realm of asteroids due to its composition. Unlike typical asteroids that are primarily made of rock or ice, this one is predominantly metallic. This mission marks NASA’s first focused exploration of a metal-rich asteroid, providing a unique opportunity to study its properties.
The spacecraft is expected to be captured by the asteroid’s gravity in late July 2029. Following this, the prime mission will commence in August 2029 and is projected to last approximately two years.
The primary goals of the Psyche mission include:
Through these objectives, Psyche aims to provide insights into the building blocks of planetary formation and deepen our understanding of the early solar system.
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