Summary
- NASA released a new composite showing Mars' illuminated phase changing as Psyche approached.
- The images were captured between May 2 and May 15, 2026.
- The Mars flyby provided both a gravity assist and an opportunity to test the spacecraft's instruments.
- Psyche continues its journey toward asteroid Psyche, arriving in 2029.
NASA has released a remarkable composite showing the changing illuminated phase of Mars as the Psyche spacecraft approached the planet.
The images were captured between May 2 and May 15, 2026, before the spacecraft’s gravity-assist flyby. As Psyche moved closer, the visible sunlit portion of Mars gradually expanded until the planet nearly filled the camera’s field of view, allowing the spacecraft to obtain high-resolution images.
The Mars flyby served two important purposes: providing a gravity assist that increased the spacecraft’s speed and adjusting its trajectory, while also allowing engineers to test and calibrate Psyche’s scientific instruments before its primary mission.
Why Mars Appears as a Thin Arc
Because Psyche approached Mars from a high phase angle, only a small portion of the sunlit hemisphere was visible, making the planet appear as a thin bright arc.
A Valuable Scientific Opportunity
The flyby enabled scientists to verify the performance of the spacecraft’s cameras and other instruments using Mars as a well-known scientific target.
Destination: Asteroid Psyche
The spacecraft is now heading toward the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, where it is expected to arrive in 2029.
What We Think
The images demonstrate how even a navigation maneuver can provide valuable scientific observations while preparing a spacecraft for its primary mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Psyche mission?
NASA’s Psyche mission is exploring the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.
Why did Psyche fly past Mars?
To gain speed through a gravity assist and refine its trajectory.
Why does Mars appear as a thin arc?
Because the spacecraft observed only a small illuminated portion of the planet from its viewing angle.
When will Psyche reach its destination?
The spacecraft is expected to arrive at asteroid Psyche in 2029.
