The Psyche spacecraft is equipped with a solar-electric propulsion system that gives it a gentle push as it travels toward its destination. In May 2026, the probe will swing past Mars, using the planet’s gravity to steer it towards the outer reaches of the main asteroid belt.
The Psyche spacecraft is scheduled to spend at least 26 months orbiting asteroid Psyche, with mission operations scheduled until November 2031.
Psyche is equipped with three science instruments to determine the nature of the metal asteroid. A magnetometer will look for signs of a past magnetic field, which could be a sign that asteroid Psyche formed from a liquid metal core similar to those found in rocky planets.
A gamma ray and neutron spectrometer will record emissions from Psyche’s surface, which will help scientists determine what elements make up the asteroid. A multispectral imaging system will tell us what minerals are on the surface and create detailed, 3D maps of the asteroid.