Gold rush starts! NASA and SpaceX got together for "Psyche" asteroid mission
NASA and SpaceX agreed to launch "Psyche" mission to explore asteroid that is more valuable more than the global economy. Here are all the details of the upcoming mission.
The asteroid known as 16 Psyche that is more valuable than the entire world economy, has been on NASA's target for a while. Postponing its research mission in the summer, NASA has created a new road map to reach the asteroid 16 Psyche. Here are all the details of the mission to explore the asteroid valued at more than $10,000 quadrillion.
NASA and SpaceX will arrive to 16 Psyche in 2029
The new agreement between NASA and SpaceX indicates arriving the asteroid 16 Psyche. NASA will be preparing the spacecraft where as it is planned to be launched with the enormous Falcon Heavy rocket of the Elon Musk's SpaceX on October 10, 2023. Once spacecraft reaches to asteroid, it will collect samples from the asteroid's surface.
However, the arrival date of the spacecraft will be delayed contrast to previous roadmap. The asteroid is expected to deviate from Mars orbit which will inevitably cause a three-year delay. It means that NASA and SpaceX will reach to 16 Psyche asteroid in 2029 instead of 2026.
What is 16 Psyche and what does it contain?
16 Psyche, an asteroid with a diameter of 226 kilometers and a width of 140 miles, may have a core of iron, nickel, and gold worth more than $10,000 quadrillion.
Although the asteroid is a matter of curiosity because of its value, NASA is not linking this mission to the economic terms. The space agency stated that they are not interested in the material value of metals, but in their planetary origins.
“I’m extremely proud of the Psyche team,” said Jet Propulsion Laboratory(JPL) Director Laurie Leshin. “During this review, they have demonstrated significant progress already made toward the future launch date. I am confident in the plan moving forward and excited by the unique and important science this mission will return.”
