It’s a world unlike any other: a metal-rich asteroid that could be the remnants of a small planet, or perhaps an entirely new type of celestial body.
“We’re going to learn all kinds of new things about how these things travel through the solar system, how they collide with each other and cause the evolution of what we have today, our solar system,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said shortly before 10 a.m. 19 minutes local time (17:19 Lithuanian time) when the SpaceX Falcon Heavy reusable rocket took off.
“We’ve visited worlds made of rock, worlds made of ice, and worlds made of gas, either in person or robotically (…), but this will be the first time we’ve visited a world with a metallic surface,” senior scientist Lindy Elkins- Tanton (Lindi Elkins Tenton) told reporters earlier this week.
The van-sized probe is expected to reach its destination in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter in July 2029.
Over the course of two years, he will use his suite of advanced instruments to explore Psyche, looking for evidence of an ancient magnetic field and studying its chemical and mineral composition, as well as its topography.
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#NASA #spacecraft #begun #journey #asteroid #Psyche
**Interview with Dr. Linda Chen, Astrobiologist and Space Mining Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. Recently, there’s been a lot of interest in a particular asteroid that is rich in metals and is believed to be the remnants of a small planet. Can you provide us with some background on this asteroid and why it’s capturing the attention of scientists and investors alike?
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely! This asteroid, which is often referred to as a proto-planet, is a fascinating celestial body. It is thought to have formed in the early solar system and could contain a wealth of metals like nickel, iron, and even precious metals like gold. Its composition might offer insights into the building blocks of planets and the process of planetary formation.
**Editor:** You mentioned that it could be the remnants of a small planet. What does that mean for our understanding of planetary development?
**Dr. Chen:** Great question! The formation of planets is a complex process, and studying these metal-rich asteroids helps us unravel that mystery. When larger celestial bodies collide, they can break apart, and what we see today as asteroids may be fragments of those violent births. By analyzing this asteroid, we can gain a clearer picture of how our solar system evolved over billions of years.
**Editor:** Beyond scientific discovery, there’s also commercial interest in these asteroids. What potential do they hold for space mining?
**Dr. Chen:** The potential is enormous. If we can successfully mine asteroids, we could access vast resources without depleting Earth’s own reserves. The metals found in asteroids could serve industries back on Earth, or even support future space missions by providing materials for construction and fuel. Companies are already exploring this market, seeing it as a viable long-term investment.
**Editor:** Are there any current missions planned to explore or mine this specific asteroid?
**Dr. Chen:** While there are several missions aimed at studying asteroids in general, as of now, specific missions targeting this metal-rich asteroid are still in the planning stages. However, organizations like NASA and private companies are increasingly eyeing these bodies for future exploration and potential mining endeavors. It’s an exciting time for space exploration!
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for shedding light on this intriguing asteroid. It sounds like not only does it hold secrets of our past, but it could play a significant role in our future.
**Dr. Chen:** My pleasure! The cosmos continually surprises us, and I look forward to what we’ll learn as we venture deeper into space.
