NASA space probe heads to gold-rich asteroid Psyche

On the evening of October 13, the Psyche mission launched. A space probe was launched on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket to the mysterious asteroid Psyche. Start broadcast live.

Psyche is the largest known metallic asteroid. Its diameter is approximately 279 kilometers and its orbit lies between Mars and Jupiter in the main asteroid belt.

This celestial body consists almost entirely of metals such as iron, nickel and gold. It is considered a real pearl of the solar system. Scientists do not rule out that Psyche may turn out to be an ancient planetary core.

The Psyche probe itself is the size of a small van. It is driven by a solar electric propulsion system. On board there is a magnetometer, gamma-ray spectrometer and neutron spectrometer, as well as multispectral sensors for imaging.

Also attached to Psyche is Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), a NASA communications experiment that will test optical and laser communications beyond the Moon.

The Psyche mission will reach its goal in August 2029. The space probe will fly around the asteroid many times for more than two years, gradually reducing its altitude. No landing is planned for this mission. Instead, the station will study Psyche's geology and gravity from a distance. Scientists plan to test the presence of a magnetic field and obtain a wealth of data about the composition of the asteroid.