NASA’s Psyche spacecraft buzzing Mars on its way to a rare metal asteroid

A NASA spacecraft named Psyche is on a mission to study a rare metal asteroid, also called Psyche, and is currently using Mars for a gravity boost to help it reach its destination. This week, the spacecraft will pass close to Mars, capturing thousands of images to prepare for its main encounter with the asteroid in 2029. The asteroid, located in the belt between Mars and Jupiter, is believed to be rich in metals like nickel and iron, possibly the core of an early planet. By studying it, scientists hope to learn more about the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth. The spacecraft, launched in 2023, is expected to arrive at the asteroid in 2029 and will study it for two years. QUESTION: How might discoveries from the Psyche mission change our understanding of the solar system and the origins of life on Earth?