US EditionNASA spacecraft launched to mysterious and rare metal asteroid in first mission of its kind
- NASA has launched a spacecraft to study the Psyche asteroid, which is made of metal and is believed to be the remnants of a destroyed baby planet.
- The spacecraft, propelled by solar-electric ion thrusters, is expected to reach the asteroid in six years and will spend 26 months orbiting and scanning Psyche.
- The mission aims to gain insights into Earth's formation and other rocky planets, rather than focus on space mining. The spacecraft will also test new technology, such as laser-based communication.
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149 Articles
This is an unprecedented space mission, which seeks to explore for the first time a heavenly body with a surface rich in metals.
NASA launches spacecraft to explore metal-rich asteroid Psyche
NASA on Friday launched a spacecraft from Florida on its way to Psyche, the largest of the several metal-rich asteroids known in our solar system and believed by scientists to be the remnant core of an ancient protoplanet, offering clues about Earth's formation.
NASA spacecraft launched to mysterious and rare metal asteroid in first mission of its kind
NASA launches Psyche spacecraft to explore metal-covered asteroid. Six-year journey to unique asteroid will help answer questions about Earth's formation and habitability. SpaceX rocket carries spacecraft to outer asteroid belt, where it will orbit and study the metal-rich asteroid. Mission will use solar electric propulsion and laser communication to expand data flow from deep space.
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