activeNASA / ASU / JPL
Psyche Mission
Mission to explore 16 Psyche, a unique metallic asteroid that may be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet. Launched October 2023 using Hall-effect solar electric propulsion. Will study the asteroid's composition, structure, and magnetic field to understand planetary formation and differentiation.
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Budget
$1.2B
Timeline
2023–2029
Key Milestones
Launched on Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center
2023 — Oct
Mars gravity assist flyby
2026
Arrive at asteroid 16 Psyche — begin 26-month orbital science mission
2029
Contractors
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Sources
- psyche.asu.edu
- jpl.nasa.gov