The #Psyche #spacecraft travels using #SolarElectric (low-thrust) #propulsion. Solar ☀️ electric propulsion uses electricity from solar arrays to create electromagnetic fields to accelerate and expel charged atoms ⚛️ (#ions) of #xenon to create a very low thrust with a very efficient use of #propellant ⛽. This will be the first use of a #HallEffectThruster beyond lunar orbit.
#Launch period 📆 October 5-25, 2023 https://psyche.asu.edu/mission/launch
Propulsion : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyche_(spacecraft)#Propulsion
#Forbes "Psyche could contain a core of #iron, #nickel and #gold worth $10,000 #quadrillion" https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2022/10/29/nasa-will-launch-psyche-mission-to-explore-asteroid-worth-more-than-the-global-economy
#NYT #AsteroidMining : "let’s say Psyche ☄️were pulverized and carried to #Earth 🌎. For precisely that reason, #prices of iron and nickel would drop close to zero. I interviewed Matthew Gialich, the chief executive officer and a co-founder of #AstroForge. They’re going for #platinum, which sells for a little under $1,000 an ounce, and related #metals, such as #palladium." https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/opinion/psyche-asteroid-nasa-mining.html