Six months post-launch, NASA's Psyche spacecraft is functioning perfectly, with all systems and instruments operating smoothly.
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has passed its six-month health check and is cruising through deep space using state-of-the-art electric thrusters.NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has successfully completed its six-month health check, marking a significant milestone in its mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid.
Psyche’s journey, initially propelled by the Falcon Heavy rocket, has taken it beyond Mars’ orbit, and it is now in what mission planners call “full cruise” mode. This phase relies on the spacecraft’s innovative electric thrusters, which generate thrust by expelling charged xenon ions, creating a distinctive blue glow. These thrusters, part of Psyche’s solar electric propulsion system, are exceptionally efficient, powered by sunlight and exerting a gentle yet continuous push on the spacecraft.
The first six months in space have been busy for the Psyche team. They conducted a comprehensive check of all spacecraft systems, confirming that everything is functioning as expected. The spacecraft’s three science instruments, including a magnetometer, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, and twin cameras, have been operational without issues. Notably, the magnetometer detected an eruption of charged particles from the sun, demonstrating its sensitivity and functionality.
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