NASA Psyche spacecraft accelerates toward metal-rich asteroid

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has begun continuous use of its electric propulsion system following a successful Mars gravity assist. The spacecraft is currently accelerating toward the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, located in the main asteroid belt.

Since September 28, the mission has utilized its solar-powered propulsion system nearly continuously, pausing only once a week for communication with mission controllers. The propulsion system uses the Hall effect to accelerate xenon ions through electromagnetic fields, providing a steady force of up to 250 millinewtons. This highly efficient method allows for long-term acceleration compared to conventional chemical thrusters.

The mission is currently on track for a rendezvous with the asteroid in the summer of 2029. Don Han, the mission’s navigation lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, stated that the thrusters will operate approximately 90% of the time until the spacecraft reaches its destination.