NASA has transitioned the Psyche spacecraft to a nearly continuous propulsion mode to reach its target asteroid. The probe, which launched in October 2023, is scheduled to arrive at the asteroid in the summer of 2029 and conduct a two-year research mission.
The spacecraft utilizes an electric propulsion system powered by solar arrays, accelerating xenon ions via electromagnetic fields. Since September 28, the engines have been running almost constantly, with brief weekly pauses for Earth communication and technical diagnostics.
The probe carries a total of 1090 kg of xenon fuel. Over the past three years, it has consumed approximately one-third of its supply, which is expected to be sufficient for the remainder of the journey and the orbital phase. As the craft moves further from the Sun, engine power will be reduced due to lower solar energy output.
During its flight, the probe is expected to reach speeds exceeding 160,000 km/h relative to Earth. The mission previously completed a gravity assist maneuver near Mars to adjust its trajectory and increase velocity without additional fuel consumption.
The target asteroid, Psyche, measures approximately 280 km in diameter. Scientists hypothesize that the object is the metallic core of an ancient planetesimal, providing a unique opportunity to study the internal composition of rocky planets.
