The voyage to the rock, measuring almost 150 miles at its widest, is the first attempt to study a metal asteroid - which is thought to be a planetary building block from the solar system's formation 4.5 billion years ago.
NASA has launched a mission to a rare asteroid covered in metal that is two billion miles and six years' travel time away from Earth. Scientists hope exploring the Psyche asteroid will help them understand more about how Earth formed and what makes it habitable. Lead scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton, of Arizona State University, said: 'It's long been humans' dream to go to the metal core of our Earth. I mean, ask Jules Verne. 'The pressure is too high.
The agency believes the asteroid, which orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter, is brimming with iron, nickel and other metals - and quite possibly silicates. It is a dull grey colour, probably because its surface is covered with fine metal grains from cosmic impacts. Metal cliffs and lava flows It was discovered in 1852 and named after Greek mythology's captivating goddess of the soul.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nasa probe launches to metal asteroid PsycheThe US space agency's latest mission will investigate a mountainous object made mostly from iron.
Read more »
Watch live: NASA launches mission to Psyche asteroid seeking clues to how planets formedNASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, Caltech and Arizona State University will launch the Psyche mission in October 2023, sending a spacecraft to a metal asteroid.
Read more »
NASA live stream: How to watch Psyche mission live in the UK today and what time it launchesThe craft will travel through space for six years to reach its destination
Read more »
What time is the Nasa launch? UK launch time for ‘Psyche’ mission and how to watch liveInclement weather conditions mean the original launch date has been postponed until Friday 13 October
Read more »
NASA Launches First of Its Kind Mission to a Mysterious and Rare Metal AsteroidA SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Oct. 13, 2023. The spacecraft will travel to the metallic asteroid Psyche, where it will enter orbit in 2029 and be the first spacecraft to explore a metal-rich asteroid.
Read more »
Sir David Attenborough joins stars at BBC Studios’ Planet Earth III launchSir David Attenborough, along with stars Bella Ramsey, Shailene Woodley, Gillian Anderson, Bastille and more attended the 360-degree immersive launch.
Read more »