Konstantin Sukharnikov Scientific instrumentation

A hobby. An independent overview compiled from public sources by a science and space enthusiast. I am not involved in these missions or facilities; my own work is detector electronics at European XFEL. My projects →

Mission · Asteroids & comets

Psyche

Orbiter with electric propulsion

Status
Cruise
Launched
13 Oct 2023
Target
Metal-rich asteroid (16) Psyche
Agencies
NASA, JPL, ASU
Next
Aug 2029 arrival at the asteroid (plan)

Summary

A mission to asteroid (16) Psyche, possibly the exposed metal core of a protoplanet. The spacecraft flies on Hall-effect thrusters; it also carried the DSOC deep-space laser-communication demonstrator.

Now as of 3 Nov 2026

On 15 May 2026 it made a Mars gravity assist at about 4,609 km. NASA released images in batches (the Martian crescent, Syrtis Major, Fourier crater, the Oenotria Scopuli scarps) and a time-lapse covering 2–15 May (JPL, Sky at Night). It is now cruising on electric propulsion towards the asteroid belt.

Key dates

  1. 13 Oct 2023Launch (Falcon Heavy)done
  2. 15 May 2026Mars gravity assist (~4,609 km)done
  3. Aug 2029Arrival at Psycheplanned

Timeline

  1. 16–17 Jul 2026Colour mosaic of the southern Martian highlands and Fourier crater — JPL
  2. 15 May 2026Mars flyby — EarthSky