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Highlights from the Oct. 13, 2023, launch of NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, which will travel 2.2 billion miles to a metal-rich asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Psyche lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:19 am PDT (10:19 a.m. EDT). The mission, which is the first to explore a metal-rich asteroid, aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies – including Earth – in our solar system. The Psyche spacecraft is equipped with four scientific investigations: the magnetometer, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, multispectral imager, and gravity science experiment. In addition, a technology demonstration called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) will fly on Psyche in order to test high-data-rate laser communications. Psyche is scheduled to arrive at the asteroid in 2029 and orbit for about 26 months. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California manages the mission, which is led by Arizona State University. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center manages launch operations and procured the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Maxar Technologies delivered the solar electric propulsion chassis and most of its engineering hardware systems.

What we found in some historic asteroid samples, discussing a record-breaking spaceflight, and our Psyche spacecraft sets sail to study a unique asteroid … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA!

Celebrating 65 years, NASA is a symbol of human creativity and exploration. NASA has consistently pushed boundaries, from the historic Apollo missions that landed the first humans on the Moon to the Space Shuttle program that built the International Space Station. Missions like Landsat and Cassini have deepened our understanding of Earth and our solar system. With NASA launching the James Webb Space Telescope, the future holds even more exciting discoveries. Throughout all these adventures, NASA's commitment to exploration and science continues to lead the way. Today, the Artemis missions herald a new chapter, aiming to return humanity to the Moon and laying robust foundations for expeditions to Mars and beyond. As we honor NASA's storied past, we anticipate a future filled with discoveries, technologies, and deep-space exploration encouraged by a new generation of dedicated explorers. Here's to NASA, commemorating 65 years of cosmic exploration, innovation, and the undying quest to expand our universal frontier.

Preparing to journey to a metal world, a milestone for a simulated Mars mission, and celebrating an anniversary for our agency … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA!

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