NASA’s Psyche Mission
Why in news ?
Recently, NASA’s Psyche mission sends signals to Earth from 16 million kilometres away.
Asteroid 16 Psyche
- 16 Psyche is an asteroid that orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.
- It is believed to be composed mainly of iron and nickel, similar to the Earth’s core.
Scientific Instruments
- The Psyche spacecraft is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to study the asteroid in detail.
- These instruments include a Multispectral Imager, Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer, Magnetometer, and a Radio Science system.
Scientific Significance
- The Psyche mission is expected to provide critical insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
- Studying the composition and history of 16 Psyche can help refine models of planetary formation and the differentiation of planetary cores.
Source – The Hindu
