NASA's Psyche mission is back in track

October 29, 2022 By Jozeph P

(Image Credit Google)

NASA said on Friday that the Psyche mission, named for the asteroid it is intended to explore, has been postponed until October 2023. The agency released the information shortly after the CIA declared that its intended 2022 launch attempt would surely fail. Additionally, the schedule's delay is a result of delayed delivery of the spacecraft's critical components, including the flight software and testing tools. Also, this year's launch window closed on October 11. Furthermore, in addition to a separate independent investigation that the agency commissioned to look into the errors that resulted in missing the launch window, NASA performed an internal review to decide whether the mission could launch next year. And it indicates that the evaluation approved of the launch for the following year. Most importantly, NASA stated that even if they changed the launch window, the flight profile will remain the same - the spacecraft will use Martian gravity in 2026 to move toward the asteroid Psyche. In addition, the spacecraft will likely reach the asteroid in August 2029 if the project does proceed next year. NASA's Psyche mission is back in track

More details The Arizona State University-led mission will investigate the metal asteroid known as "Psyche," situated between Mars and Jupiter. It was chosen for exploration because researchers think the nickel-iron core of an earlier planet may be there, making it a valuable target for learning how our planet formed. Of course, those with asteroid mining ambitions will also have their interest peaked. On another note, the agency spent $985 million on the mission, which includes the launch expenses. And of that, it spent $717 million at the end of June. In addition to Psyche, NASA planned to launch another mission called Janus, to investigate a twin binary asteroid system, and a technology demonstration of high-data-rate laser communication data. And while NASA is still considering possibilities for Janus, the latter has already been included into the Psyche spacecraft and will launch alongside it. Thrusters fired by ISS once more to avoid Russian space debris

Thrusters fired by ISS once more to avoid Russian space debris

Lastly, NASA declared in February 2020 that it gave SpaceX the launch contract for a sum of $117 million. The organization reserved a seat on a Falcon Heavy, the most potent rocket in use right now with just three flights under its belt. (The fourth might occur as soon as next week.)

By Jozeph P

Journalism explorer, tech Enthusiast. Love to read and write.

NASA's Psyche mission is back in track

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