Psyche Mission Launches From Kennedy Space Center (Highlights)
The mission, which is the first to explore a metal-rich asteroid, aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies – including Earth – in our solar system. The Psyche spacecraft is equipped with four scientific investigations: the magnetometer, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, multispectral imager, and gravity science experiment. In addition, a technology demonstration called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) will fly on Psyche in order to test high-data-rate laser communications.
Psyche is scheduled to arrive at the asteroid in 2029 and orbit for about 26 months.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California manages the mission, which is led by Arizona State University. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center manages launch operations and procured the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Maxar Technologies delivered the solar electric propulsion chassis and most of its engineering hardware systems.
Transcript
Derrol Nail: Commentator, NASA's Kennedy Space Center
And here we go with the final seconds of launch.
Derrol Nail:
Five, four, three, two, one. Engine ignition and liftoff. Liftoff of Falcon Heavy and Psyche on a mission to a metal asteroid and deep space to study the building blocks of our planet's inner space.
Mission Controller:
Power and telemetry nominal
Michael “Mic” Woltman: Chief of Fleet Systems Integration, Launch Services Program
Data is looking really good.
Mission Controller:
Side booster separation confirmed.
Derrol Nail:
Great shot there. The side boosters coming off the rocket
Mission Controller:
Landing, burn, and internal gain.
Derrol Nail:
Here it comes.
Derrol Nail:
Perfect landings for them both.
Mission Controller:
Psyche payload separation confirmed.
Derrol Nail:
There it is. The Psyche spacecraft, going off into deep space. We have a signal that says, “Hey, I’m here, I’m out in space.”