summer of space
‘Once Upon a Time in Space’
July 14
Drawing on intimate, unseen archives and powerful first-hand testimony, this landmark 4-part series tells the human stories behind our quest to explore space, offering a unique perspective on our changing world and where we are headed. Watch “Once Upon a Time in Space” at 8 p.m. on July 14. Join us this month for special programming during our “Summer of Space!”
In collaboration with scientists from Arizona State University, NASA launched a spacecraft destined for the enigmatic asteroid Psyche. This celestial body is believed to hold the key to understanding the predominantly metal cores of ancient objects from the early days of our solar system.
In a special program about the mission, we unveil the sophisticated cameras and cutting-edge instruments aboard the spacecraft. Moreover, we delve into the personal and scientific challenges that the dedicated team has encountered in their relentless pursuit of launching this groundbreaking mission.
The Mission
Arizona State University (ASU) launched a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) mission to visit Psyche, an asteroid currently orbiting the sun from the outer part of the main asteroid belt.
NASA’s Psyche mission, led by Lindy Elkins-Tanton, is using solar-electric propulsion to arrive at Psyche in 2026 after a Mars gravity assist. It aims to study and map the asteroid for 21 months.
What makes Psyche unique is its composition, which scientists believe may be rich in metal. If that is indeed the case, the Psyche mission will represent the first time scientists have ever been able to study a world made not of rock or ice, but of metal.
NASA’s Psyche mission, led by Lindy Elkins-Tanton, is using solar-electric propulsion to arrive at Psyche in 2026 after a Mars gravity assist. It aims to study and map the asteroid for 21 months.
What makes Psyche unique is its composition, which scientists believe may be rich in metal. If that is indeed the case, the Psyche mission will represent the first time scientists have ever been able to study a world made not of rock or ice, but of metal.
Read NASA’s updates on Psyche’s status.
ASU News highlights a free online course on asteroids, comets and meteorites.
Time till Psyche spacecraft reaches the Psyche asteroid
After launching in 2023, the Psyche spacecraft is on its way to the Psyche asteroid and is expected to reach it August 2029. Keep track of this incredible voyage!
00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
The Special
The Psyche launch, the first ASU-led deep-space mission, took place on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Ahead of the launch, Arizona PBS partnered with ASU on a half-hour television special, exploring the significance of this project and detailing the mission timeline, from launch to arrival to closeout.
"Psyche Mission: First to Metal, an Origin Story" is available to stream below or online on the PBS app.
"Psyche Mission: First to Metal, an Origin Story" is available to stream below or online on the PBS app.
The Principal Investigator
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Arizona State University Foundation and Regents Professor in the School Of Earth and Space Exploration, is the Principal Investigator of the Psyche mission, a nearly six-year journey to a metal-rich asteroid.
Her team began working on the Psyche mission in 2017. It was the first ASU-led deep-space mission.
Her previous research includes theory, observation, and experiments concerning terrestrial planetary formation, magma oceans, and subsequent planetary evolution including magmatism and interactions between rocky planets and their atmospheres. She also promotes and participates in education initiatives, in particular, inquiry and exploration teaching methodologies, and leadership and team-building for scientists and engineers.
She has led four field expeditions in Siberia, as well as participated in fieldwork in the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
She serves on the Standing Review Board for the Europa mission, and served on the Mars panel of the Planetary Decadal Survey and on the Mars 2020 Rover Science Definition Team.
Her team began working on the Psyche mission in 2017. It was the first ASU-led deep-space mission.
Her previous research includes theory, observation, and experiments concerning terrestrial planetary formation, magma oceans, and subsequent planetary evolution including magmatism and interactions between rocky planets and their atmospheres. She also promotes and participates in education initiatives, in particular, inquiry and exploration teaching methodologies, and leadership and team-building for scientists and engineers.
She has led four field expeditions in Siberia, as well as participated in fieldwork in the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
She serves on the Standing Review Board for the Europa mission, and served on the Mars panel of the Planetary Decadal Survey and on the Mars 2020 Rover Science Definition Team.
Watch a recording of the NASA livestream of the Psyche spacecraft launch
Enjoy NASA’s Psyche mission YouTube playlist
Hear from NASA’s Psyche mission team, led by Arizona State University, as they prepare for an out-of-this-world mission to explore asteroid Psyche orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. This mission could give insight into the collisions and accretion that created the terrestrial planets like Earth. Watch the first video here, then head over to YouTube to view the full list.
Explore more of the universe
NASA launched Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore moon of Jupiter
Europa is one of the most promising places in our solar system to find an environment suitable for life beyond Earth, and Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft NASA has ever built for a planetary mission. Evidence suggests that the ocean beneath Europa’s icy surface could contain the ingredients for life: water, the right chemistry and energy. Replay the launch here, then more about Europa Clipper on NASA’s website.
NOVA
Looking for Life on Mars
NASA launches its most ambitious hunt for traces of life on Mars, landing a car-sized rover in a rocky, ancient river delta. The rover will stow samples for possible return to Earth and test technology that may pave the way for human travel to Mars.
News and articles
Arizona Horizon
Mission to save Swift space telescope faces setbacks
Aug. 5
A mission to save the Swift telescope, which is aging but still functional, as it slowly falls towards Earth’s atmosphere is facing setbacks.
catalyst
Closer look at asteroid Bennu
“Catalyst” follows the OSIRIS-REx satellite that traveled 2 million kilometers to catch up with asteroid Bennu and photograph its surface, all in preparation for an eventual landing and return mission. Experts at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and ASU’s Meteorite Museum explain how Bennu could help astrophysicists defend Earth from asteroid impacts.
Beyond A Year in Space
“Beyond A Year in Space” picks up where “A Year in Space” left off: Scott Kelly’s last day in space and return to Earth. The special also introduces viewers to the next generation of astronauts training to leave Earth’s orbit and travel into deep space. Watch the preview, then members can stream online anytime with Arizona PBS Passport.
Activities and resources for kids
Teaching resource: Pushing the boundaries of space exploration
Explore the instruments and technology aboard the Psyche mission. NASA scientists explain the cutting-edge radios, imagers, and thrusters aboard the spacecraft. Learn about solar-electric propulsion and how it operates in deep space.
Dive into Space Week with out-of-this-world adventures!
Oct. 4, 2023
Get ready to reach for the stars, fellow Superheroes, because World Space Week 2023 is October 4 to 10! Space exploration is the universal “wow” factor that can bring a burst of excitement and curiosity into your classroom, no matter what subject you teach.
Space-related topics are real-world, cross-disciplinary gems that spark global awareness, boost problem-solving skills, and encourage critical thinking. So whether you’re a math whiz, a literature lover, or a history buff, get ready to discover how to make this Space Week an educational adventure like no other!
