tldrdailynews.com logo

Psyche uses Mars as a gravity boost on its way to a metal-rich asteroid

1 min read
Source: Space
Psyche uses Mars as a gravity boost on its way to a metal-rich asteroid
Photo: Space
TL;DR

NASA's Psyche spacecraft flew by Mars on May 15, 2026 to perform a gravity assist, gaining speed and reshaping its path toward the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche. The flyby occurred about 2,800 miles from Mars at roughly 12,333 mph and saves propellant by using the planet's gravity, helping the mission stay on track to reach 16 Psyche in July 2029, while continuing to rely on solar-electric propulsion for gradual thrust.

Topics:sciencespace#16-psyche#gravity-assist#mars-flyby#psyche#solar-electric-propulsion#space
Share this article
  1. NASA's Psyche spacecraft is flying to a metal asteroid. So, why did it just visit Mars?  Space
  2. NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars this week, on voyage to rare metal asteroid  CBS News
  3. NASA’s Psyche spacecraft buzzing Mars on its way to a rare metal asteroid  AP News
  4. NASA is using Mars as a slingshot—and the photos will be stunning  Scientific American
  5. Today, NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Will Get Just 4,500 Kilometers From Mars To Slingshot Towards Its Final Destination  IFLScience

Want the full story? Read the original reporting

Read on Space