AGU Advances (Apr 2024)

A Post‐Launch Summary of the Science of NASA's Psyche Mission

  • Steven D. Dibb,
  • Erik Asphaug,
  • James F. Bell,
  • Richard P. Binzel,
  • William F. Bottke,
  • Saverio Cambioni,
  • John M. Christoph,
  • Linda T. Elkins‐Tanton,
  • Ralf Jaumann,
  • David J. Lawrence,
  • Rona Oran,
  • Joseph G. O’Rourke,
  • Carol Polansky,
  • Benjamin P. Weiss,
  • Mark Wieczorek,
  • David. A. Williams

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2023AV001077
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 2
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Astronomical observations indicate that asteroid (16) Psyche is a large, high‐density (likely >3,400 kg·m−3), metal‐rich (30–55 vol. %) asteroid. Psyche may be remnant core material or it could be a primordial, undifferentiated metal‐rich object. We discuss the science objectives of the upcoming Psyche mission, which will employ three instruments (the Magnetometer, Multispectral Imager, and Gamma‐Ray and Neutron Spectrometer) and will use Doppler tracking of the spacecraft to explore the asteroid. This mission will shed light on the nature and origins of metal‐rich objects in the solar system and beyond, including the cores of the terrestrial planets.

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