NASA's Psyche mission delivers Mars flyby data, time-lapse video
The spacecraft aced its encounter with Mars.
The spacecraft aced its encounter with Mars.
The short version
- Now, mission scientists are studying a trove of data from the flyby in preparation for its arrival at asteroid Psyche in 2029.
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What happened
NASA's Psyche spacecraft flew by Mars on May 15, using the planet's gravity to gain speed and slightly tilt its trajectory. The flyby also gave the team an opportunity to prepare for the science they will conduct when they reach the metal-rich asteroid Psyche in 2029.
Why it matters
Using Mars as a stand-in for the asteroid during the flyby , the team could test the spacecraft's science instruments.
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