NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has embarked on its journey to the asteroid Psyche, successfully initiating solar-powered propulsion. The spacecraft will utilize advanced optical communication through NASA’s DSOC (Deep Space Optical Communications) during its six-year expedition. Mission controllers have confirmed the acquisition of signal from the spacecraft, and the solar arrays have been fully deployed.
The solar arrays, accounting for around 800 square feet of solar collecting surface, give the spacecraft a size comparable to a singles tennis court. When near Earth, these arrays will generate over 20 kilowatts of power, providing for the spacecraft’s needs during its journey. However, the power generated will reduce to about 2 kilowatts when the spacecraft reaches the asteroid Psyche.
The spacecraft’s solar electric propulsion engines utilize electromagnetic fields to accelerate and push out charged atoms of xenon gas. Due to the absence of atmospheric drag, the spacecraft will accelerate to speeds of up to 124,000 mph during its interplanetary voyage to the asteroid belt.
Before firing up its thrusters, the Psyche spacecraft will undergo approximately 100 days of initial checkout. After about 2.5 years, it will fly by Mars to receive a gravity boost. Five and a half years later, in June 2029, the spacecraft will be able to capture photos of the asteroid Psyche. In August 2029, it will enter its first of 26 planned orbits around the metal-rich asteroid.
Notably, the Psyche spacecraft carries NASA’s DSOC demonstration, which utilizes near-infrared laser technology to send and receive test data. The objective of DSOC is to showcase higher data-rate returns for future missions to Mars and beyond.
The Psyche mission, led by Arizona State University, is managed and operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) is responsible for approving the launch vehicle, and for the Psyche mission, LSP certified the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This mission is the 14th chosen under NASA’s Discovery Program, overseen by the Marshall Space Flight Center.
JPL manages DSOC for NASA’s Technology Demonstration Missions program, as well as the Space Communications and Navigation program. The introduction of DSOC will bring optical communications into deep space for the first time, opening doors for future missions to Mars and beyond.
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