Inside NASA’s Voyage to an Asteroid Worth 70K Times the Global Economy – Robb Report

NASAthe mission of An asteroid worth 70,000 times the world economy is scheduled to start this year.

In 2017, the space agency decided that humans would benefit from a closer look at Earth. 16 PsycheThe Psyche mission was originally scheduled for the end of 2022, but delay This is due to a “development issue”. NASA is currently scheduled to launch This is the Psyche spacecraft OctoberThe ship should reach the ultra-precious asteroid in August 2029.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Psyche asteroid, the upcoming Psyche mission, and the Psyche spacecraft.

16 What is Psyche?

Psyche, named after the Greek goddess of the soul, was discovered on March 17, 1852 by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis. of our solar system.

Astronomers say the asteroid is about the size of Massachusetts and shaped like a potato. Its average diameter is about 140 miles, roughly the distance between Los Angeles and San Diego. The asteroid orbits between Mars and Jupiter at distances ranging from 235 million to 309 million miles from the Sun. (You can get a real-time simulated view of Psyche here.)

Research published by Journal of Planetary Science In 2020, it is suggested that Psyche is made almost entirely of iron and nickel. This metallic composition sets it apart from other asteroids, which are usually composed of rock and ice, and may suggest that it was originally part of a planet’s core. Not only does it represent a momentous discovery, but it is also key to Psyche’s potential astronomical value: NASA scientist Lindy Elkins Tanton calculated: Asteroid iron alone could be worth as much as $10,000 trillion (Yes, you read that right). For context, the entire global economy is worth about $110 trillion at the time of writing.but more Recent research Researchers at the University of Arizona suggest that asteroids may not be as metallic or dense as once thought. Psyche may actually be closer to a pile of rubble than an exposed planetary core, the study argues. If true, this would devalue the asteroid. Future NASA missions should fully resolve the Pysche configuration debate.

Of course, Psyche isn’t the only precious rock in the universe. NASA said before The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter contains mineral resources worth about $100 billion for every individual on Earth. Mining the precious metals within each asteroid and successfully returning them to Earth is the tricky part. I will leave the intricacies of space mining for another time.

Why is NASA traveling to 16 Psyche?

In fact, if Psyche is the leftover core of a planet that didn’t form properly, it could reveal secrets about the core of the Earth itself. The interiors of terrestrial planets are usually hidden under a mantle and crust, but Psyche has no such outer layers. The asteroid’s mantle and crust may have been stripped away by multiple violent impacts during the early formation of the solar system. By studying Psyche, we can better understand how the Earth’s core formed. The mission could also provide insights into the formation of our solar system and planetary systems around other stars.

According to NASA, this marks the first time humans have explored a world made mostly of metal. The Psyche spacecraft will use special tools to identify the types of material that make up asteroids. For example, is it actually iron and nickel? Or something else? The spacecraft will also measure Psyche’s gravity and magnetic field and confirm the asteroid’s terrain. All of this tells us more about the history and evolution of Psyche’s formation.

What is the Psyche spaceship and how does it work?

Measuring 10 feet by 8 feet, Psyche is a little bigger than a smart car. Instead of running on conventional rocket fuel, the spacecraft will generate its own solar energy. It is fitted with giant solar panels that, once deployed, are the size of a tennis court and generate electricity to power the Ion Drive and innovative new Hall thrusters. Basically, the power from the solar panel is used to convert a fuel source (xenon gas) into xenon ions. (Xenon propellant also gives off a cool blue glow.) Pichet uses ionic propulsion to gradually gain speed. The spacecraft will also pass through Mars to push gravity out during its voyage to the asteroid.

In addition, Psyche will be equipped with various futuristic technologies. The rover will test what is called “deep space optical communication,” in which messages are encoded in photons (particles of light) instead of radio waves. This could mean sending much more data back to Earth in a given amount of time.

The spacecraft will also carry gamma-ray and neutron spectrometers to identify types of matter on Psyche. A magnetometer that measures the magnetic field of an asteroid. And a multispectral imager to capture that high resolution snap. In addition, Psyche will use radio waves to measure the asteroid’s gravity. Combining this with a map of asteroid surface features should provide more information about the asteroid’s internal structure.

How much does a Psyche mission cost?

According to NASA, the mission cost for the Psyche (including rocket) lifecycle is $985 million. As of July last year, the project has spent a total of $717 million. That he sounds like a pittance compared to $10,000 trillion.

How long does the Psyche mission take?

Psyche travels about 280 million miles to reach the asteroid of the same name. the spacecraft space x The Falcon Heavy rocket will launch in October 2023. The rover will move on to the next phase of its journey, aiming to be gravity-assisted from Mars in 2026. It then spends 21 months measuring and mapping, gradually tightening its trajectory until it passes just above Psyche’s surface. If all goes according to plan, Psyche is scheduled to reach the asteroid in her August 2029. Godspeed, Psyche.

Watch NASA’s video about the Psyche mission below.