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The mission team has celebrated several successes since its launch from Kennedy Space Center on Oct. 13. The latest is the operation of the spacecraft’s cameras.
Exciting news from NASA! The Psyche spacecraft has been making significant progress since its launch on Oct. 13. From turning on scientific instruments to setting a deep-space record with its electric thrusters, the orbiter has been checking off one success after another. The most recent milestone was achieved on Monday, Dec. 4, when the mission activated the spacecraft’s twin cameras, capturing its first images in a landmark achievement known as “first light.” Read on to find out more about the latest developments and discoveries from this groundbreaking mission.
Currently 16 million miles (26 million kilometers) from Earth, the Psyche spacecraft is en route to the asteroid Psyche in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where it is expected to arrive in 2029. The mission team has been proactive in conducting tests on all the science instruments to ensure they are in optimal working condition and to allow time for necessary adjustments before it reaches its destination.
The imager instrument, equipped with a pair of identical cameras, has already captured 68 images within a star field in the constellation Pisces. These images are being used by the imager team to conduct various tests and analyses to verify the accuracy and quality of the data.
Arizona State University’s Jim Bell, the Psyche imager instrument lead, expressed excitement about the initial images and shared insights into the team’s plans for future image captures. He mentioned the team’s intention to take test images of Mars during the spacecraft’s flyby in 2026 and the highly anticipated images of the target asteroid Psyche in 2029, which will be shared with the public. The imager team will also utilize the data to create 3D maps of the asteroid for a comprehensive understanding of its composition and geology.
Moreover, a significant discovery was made when the magnetometer, an essential scientific instrument on board the spacecraft, detected a solar eruption shortly after being activated. The Psyche team will continue to monitor space weather and gather valuable data as the spacecraft journeys towards the asteroid.
To stay updated on the latest news and advancements from NASA’s Psyche mission, Read More