SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch NASA's Psyche asteroid mission today

SpaceX is scheduled to launch NASA's Psyche asteroid mission today, October 13, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. EDT (14:19 UTC) from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch will be the first time that NASA has used a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for a scientific mission.

Psyche is a unique mission that will explore the asteroid 16 Psyche, a rare metal-rich asteroid that lies in the outer region of the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Psyche is thought to be the exposed core of an early planet, and its exploration could shed light on how planets form and evolve.

The Psyche spacecraft will carry a suite of instruments to study the asteroid's composition, gravity field, and magnetic field. It will also carry an imaging system to map the asteroid's surface and features.

The Psyche mission is expected to arrive at 16 Psyche in 2026 and begin its scientific investigations. The mission will last for four years and will collect data that will help scientists to better understand the formation and evolution of planets, including our own.

SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket

The Falcon Heavy is a heavy-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX. It is the most powerful rocket in operation today and is capable of lifting up to 140,105 pounds (63,503 kg) to low Earth orbit.

The Falcon Heavy is composed of three Falcon 9 rockets. The two side boosters are reused from previous Falcon 9 launches, while the center core is new. After liftoff, the side boosters separate and return to land at SpaceX's Cape Canaveral landing zones. The center core continues to ascend and eventually separates from the second stage, which then places the payload into orbit.

Launch window

The launch window for the Psyche mission opens at 10:19 a.m. EDT (14:19 UTC) on October 13, 2023, and closes at 11:34 a.m. EDT (15:34 UTC). If the launch is scrubbed for any reason, there are additional launch opportunities available each day through October 25, 2023.

How to watch the launch

NASA will provide live coverage of the Psyche mission launch on its website and YouTube channel. The coverage will begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT (13:30 UTC) and will include commentary from NASA experts and launch footage from Kennedy Space Center.

Significance of the mission

The Psyche mission is a significant milestone in planetary exploration. It is the first mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid, and its findings could shed light on the formation and evolution of planets.

The mission is also a testament to the growing partnership between NASA and SpaceX. SpaceX has become a major player in the space industry, and its Falcon Heavy rocket is now the most powerful rocket in operation. The Psyche mission is a prime example of how NASA and SpaceX are working together to explore the solar system and beyond.

Additional information

The Psyche mission is led by Arizona State University and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The mission is expected to cost $1.2 billion.

The Psyche spacecraft is powered by solar panels and will use a combination of ion propulsion and solar gravity assists to travel to 16 Psyche. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at the asteroid in 2026.

Once at 16 Psyche, the spacecraft will begin its scientific investigations. It will use its suite of instruments to study the asteroid's composition, gravity field, and magnetic field. The spacecraft will also carry an imaging system to map the asteroid's surface and features.

The Psyche mission is expected to last for four years and will collect data that will help scientists to better understand the formation and evolution of planets, including our own.

Conclusion

The Psyche mission is an exciting new chapter in the exploration of our solar system. It is the first mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid, and its findings could shed light on the formation and evolution of planets. The mission is also a testament to the growing partnership between NASA and SpaceX.

The Psyche mission launch is scheduled for today, October 13, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. EDT (14:19 UTC) from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA will provide live coverage of the launch on its website and YouTube channel.