NASA to explore a mysterious, metallic asteroid

NASA's mission to the metal asteroid Psyche aims to explore its composition and origins. Psyche, possibly a remnant of a Mars-sized planet, is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The mission will use various scientific instruments to study Psyche's magnetic field and material composition. Scheduled for launch in August 2022, the probe is expected to reach Psyche by January 2026, providing insights into the formation of our solar system.

What is the believed origin of the asteroid Psyche?

• A piece of Earth's moon

• A comet from the Kuiper Belt

• A fragment of Jupiter

• A former Mars-sized planet

Where is the asteroid Psyche located?

• Near Saturn's rings

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• In the Kuiper Belt

• Between Earth and Mars

Which instrument on the Psyche mission will measure the asteroid's magnetic field?

• Thermal Camera

• Multi Spectral Imager

• Magnetometer

• Spectrometer

What is the purpose of the Multi Spectral Imager on the Psyche mission?

• To measure temperature variations

• To capture high-resolution images

• To analyze chemical compositions

• To detect gravitational waves

When is the Psyche probe expected to reach the asteroid?

• December 2023

• January 31st, 2026

• March 2025

• August 2022