Journey to a Metal World
Psyche is heading to asteroid 16 Psyche, a unique metal-rich body that may be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early protoplanet. If so, it would be the only accessible example of a planetary core. The asteroid is roughly 226 km wide.
Deep Space Optical Comms
Psyche carries NASA's DSOC technology demonstration — a laser communication system that achieved data rates 10–100× faster than traditional radio during testing, successfully transmitting from over 226 million km.
Mission Timeline
2023-10-13
Launch on Falcon Heavy
2023-11-14
DSOC achieved first light from deep space
2026-05
Mars gravity assist
2029-08
Arrival at asteroid 16 Psyche