Kennedy space center logo11/10/2023 Psyche is also carrying a technology demonstration not directly related to the mission: the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment. This allows scientists to calculate several key factors about asteroid Psyche, including rotation rates, mass, and gravity field, which gives us insight into the asteroid’s interior. ![]() By analyzing radio waves from the spacecraft, we can determine how the asteroid’s gravity is tugging on the spacecraft. Psyche’s communication system doubles as a fourth science instrument. This will help us determine Psyche’s mineral composition, map surface features, and create 3D surface maps. Multispectral imager: Psyche has two identical cameras that can image Psyche’s surface in different wavelengths of light, including visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Psyche’s spectrometer can detect these emissions and match them to known elements, enabling scientists to determine the elements that make up Psyche’s surface. Gamma ray and neutron spectrometer: As cosmic rays and high-energy particles hit asteroid Psyche’s surface, elements there emit gamma rays and neutrons. Magnetometer: The magnetometer will look for signs of a past magnetic field, which would be strong evidence that Psyche formed from a liquid metallic core similar to ones found within rocky planetary bodies like Earth. Psyche is equipped with three science instruments to help it unpack the secrets of its namesake asteroid: With both solar arrays deployed, the entire spacecraft is roughly the size of a singles tennis court, NASA said. Two sides of the core are connected to large, five-paneled solar arrays. ![]() The Psyche spacecraft consists of a cubic core unit measuring 2.2 meters (7.1 feet) wide and 2.4 meters (7.8 feet) deep. But before the spacecraft can do any science, it has a journey of its own to complete. In either case, the Psyche mission is a journey into our past. Such a finding would mean the asteroid is a new type of object from the Solar System’s early days. It will be equally interesting if scans determine that Psyche is not a planetary core. In this scenario, the Psyche mission would give us a rare look at a planetary core, which normally lies hidden beneath the surface of a world like our own. Psyche could be the core of an ancient, rocky world that was only partially formed when it collided with other objects and lost its outer shell. ![]() The potato-shaped asteroid Psyche is thought to be made of 30% to 60% metal by volume. About an hour after launch, the Falcon Heavy’s upper stage will release Psyche, kicking off a six-year journey to the outer reaches of the main asteroid belt.Īrriving in 2029, Psyche will be the first space mission to study a metal world. Psyche will blast off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. 5, but the mission team needed extra time to verify parameters used to control the spacecraft’s thrusters. The launch was originally scheduled for Oct. NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, bound for the same-name asteroid Psyche, is scheduled to lift off on Oct. A space mission that will reveal the secrets of an asteroid made of metal is almost ready for launch.
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