NASA sends a probe to an iron asteroid

In 2022, NASA launches a scientific probe into the asteroid Psyche (Greek deities of the soul).

This was announced by the program director and professor at the University of Arizona, “Lindy Okens – Tanton,” at a radio press conference held by NASA.

The expert pointed out that the diameter of the asteroid is 225 km. Astronomical observations showed that it is composed mainly of minerals and added that Psyche is the largest asteroid in the asteroid belt, which includes about two million space objects. Space science probes and stations have never come close to the asteroid Psyche, which consists of minerals, as a new world for astronomers.

The US probe will reach the asteroid by 2026 and will observe it for two years.

“We want more information about the components of the asteroid, to confirm the validity of the hypothesis that Psyche is part of a nucleus belonging to a space object that is probably larger than it was forming in the early stages of the emergence of the solar system. We will also study craters on its surface to compare it with its peers,” said the probe program director On the surface of other asteroids are made of stones and ice.

It is reported that the asteroid Psyche was discovered on March 17, 1852 by the Italian astronomer, Annibale Hasparis. Psyche was named after the Greek gods of the soul. Its orbit is 2.6 astronomical units away from the sun, knowing that one astronomical unit equals the distance between the sun and the Earth.