Watch SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch NASA's Psyche asteroid mission today
SpaceX's powerful Falcon Heavy rocket is scheduled to launch NASA's Psyche asteroid mission today (Oct. 13) at 10:19 a.m. EDT (1419 GMT) from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. You can watch the action live on NASA TV
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Psyche is a $1.2 billion mission to explore the metal-rich asteroid of the same name. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Psyche in July 2029 and spend 21 months orbiting the asteroid, mapping its surface and studying its composition.
Scientists believe that Psyche may be the exposed core of an ancient protoplanet, a body that failed to fully form into a planet. If that's the case, Psyche could provide insights into the early history of our solar system and the formation of planets.
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The Falcon Heavy is SpaceX's most powerful rocket, and it's the only rocket that can launch Psyche on its ambitious mission. The rocket has three boosters that generate more than 5.1 million pounds of thrust, enough to lift a payload of 140,660 pounds to Earth orbit.
Psyche is the first NASA science mission to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. The launch is also a major milestone for SpaceX, as it demonstrates the company's ability to launch large and complex payloads into deep space.
If the launch is successful, Psyche will begin its long journey to the asteroid belt. Along the way, the spacecraft will use the Falcon Heavy's upper stage to perform several gravity assist maneuvers, which will help it reach its destination faster and with less fuel.
The Psyche mission is expected to revolutionize our understanding of asteroids and the early history of our solar system. The spacecraft's data will help scientists learn more about the formation of planets and the evolution of our solar system.
FAQ
Q: When and where is the launch? A: The launch is scheduled for Friday, October 13, 2023 at 10:19 a.m. EDT (1419 GMT) from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Q: What is the Psyche mission? A: Psyche is a $1.2 billion mission to explore the metal-rich asteroid of the same name. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Psyche in July 2029 and spend 21 months orbiting the asteroid, mapping its surface and studying its composition.
Q: Why is the Falcon Heavy rocket being used? A: The Falcon Heavy is SpaceX's most powerful rocket, and it's the only rocket that can launch Psyche on its ambitious mission. The rocket has three boosters that generate more than 5.1 million pounds of thrust, enough to lift a payload of 140,660 pounds to Earth orbit.
Q: What will the Psyche mission learn? A: Scientists believe that Psyche may be the exposed core of an ancient protoplanet, a body that failed to fully form into a planet. If that's the case, Psyche could provide insights into the early history of our solar system and the formation of planets.
Q: How can I watch the launch? A: You can watch the launch live on NASA TV or here at Space.com.
Bonus question: What does the name "Psyche" mean? A: Psyche is the name of the Greek goddess of the soul. The asteroid was named after her because its metal-rich composition suggests that it may be the core of an early planet, which is often considered to be the soul of a planet.