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On its ambitious journey to a mysterious metal-rich world, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has turned its cameras homeward, capturing stunning images of Earth and the Moon from about 180 million miles (290 million kilometers) away. These remarkable snapshots, taken in July 2024, serve as part of a critical step: testing and calibrating the spacecraft’s science instruments as it continues its cruise toward the asteroid Psyche.
A Glimpse Back at Home.
On July 20 and July 23, Psyche’s twin multispectral cameras recorded long-exposure images (up to 10 seconds) of Earth and the Moon, which appeared as bright dots reflecting sunlight against the starry backdrop of the constellation Aries.
The imager system aboard Psyche is designed with filters and telescopic lenses that will one day analyze Psyche’s metallic surface in different wavelengths of light. By studying how the asteroid reflects sunlight, scientists will uncover vital clues about its composition, and by extension, the formation of rocky planets with metallic cores — including Earth itself.
Why Calibration Matters.
Calibration is essential for ensuring accuracy once Psyche reaches its namesake target. By testing the cameras on familiar celestial bodies, such as Earth, the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter, scientists compare Psyche’s readings with existing data. This helps confirm the instruments are working perfectly before they encounter the unknown.
“After this, we may look at Saturn or Vesta to help us continue to test the imagers,” explained Jim Bell, Psyche’s imager instrument lead at Arizona State University. “We’re collecting solar system ‘trading cards’ from these different bodies to make sure we’re getting the right answers.”
More Than Just Cameras.
The late-July checkout wasn’t limited to the cameras. Psyche’s magnetometer and gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer were also tested, with all instruments performing successfully.
“We are up and running, and everything is working well,” said Bob Mase, project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “We’re on target to fly by Mars in May 2026, and we are accomplishing all of our planned activities for cruise.”
The Road Ahead.
The Mars flyby in 2026 will be a crucial milestone. By using the Red Planet’s gravity as a slingshot, Psyche will gain the momentum needed to continue its billion-mile voyage. After looping the solar system twice, the spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at the asteroid Psyche in 2029.
This unprecedented mission aims to explore a world unlike any visited before: a metal-rich asteroid that may represent the exposed core of an early planet. If successful, Psyche could unlock secrets about the building blocks of our solar system and the origins of planetary cores.