2023-10-13 19:15:00
This Friday morning, NASA launched the Psyche probe, named after it, as it will study an asteroid of the same name that could be a key piece in understanding the formation of planets. Originally planned for Thursday, the launch was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The spacecraft departed the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
This is just the beginning of a mission that should only begin in earnest in 6 years, after the probe has traveled 3.5 billion kilometers and be able to explore the asteroid located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is believed that this asteroid could be a remnant of the core of a planetesimal, possibly providing precious information about planetary formation.
NASA estimates that the asteroid is rich in metal, similar to the core of the Earth and other rocky planets in the solar system. This mission is led by principal investigator, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, who is eager for groundbreaking discoveries.
The Psyche probe is expected to reach its destination only in August 2029. After reaching the asteroid’s gravitational force, the probe will orbit the body for approximately 26 months, collecting data, taking photographs and determining the composition of Psyche, which is around 280 kilometers wide.
The probe also hosts a technology demonstration called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), which represents the first test of laser communications outside the Moon.
The probe platform — 24.8 meters long and with solar panels — will stop on Mars in May 2026 to take advantage of the red planet’s gravitational pull before continuing its journey towards the asteroid.
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