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.
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