A Post‐Launch Summary of the Science of NASA's Psyche Mission
oleh: Steven D. Dibb, Erik Asphaug, James F. Bell, Richard P. Binzel, William F. Bottke, Saverio Cambioni, John M. Christoph, Linda T. Elkins‐Tanton, Ralf Jaumann, David J. Lawrence, Rona Oran, Joseph G. O’Rourke, Carol Polansky, Benjamin P. Weiss, Mark Wieczorek, David. A. Williams
| Format: | Article |
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| Diterbitkan: | Wiley 2024-04-01 |
Deskripsi
Abstract Astronomical observations indicate that asteroid (16) Psyche is a large, high‐density (likely >3,400 kg·m−3), metal‐rich (30–55 vol. %) asteroid. Psyche may be remnant core material or it could be a primordial, undifferentiated metal‐rich object. We discuss the science objectives of the upcoming Psyche mission, which will employ three instruments (the Magnetometer, Multispectral Imager, and Gamma‐Ray and Neutron Spectrometer) and will use Doppler tracking of the spacecraft to explore the asteroid. This mission will shed light on the nature and origins of metal‐rich objects in the solar system and beyond, including the cores of the terrestrial planets.