[SCIENCE]

NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Accelerates Toward Asteroid After Mars Flyby

NASA's Psyche spacecraft has successfully utilized a close flyby of Mars to gain speed on its mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid, increasing its velocity by approximately 1,000 mph.

Editorial Staff  ·  2026-05-26  ·  1 MIN READ

NASA's Psyche spacecraft has completed a significant maneuver by using Mars as a gravitational slingshot, propelling it further on its journey to a unique asteroid rich in metals.

This flyby has resulted in an increase in the spacecraft's speed by about 1,000 mph, which is essential for its mission objectives.

The event, which occurred on May 26, 2026, marks a crucial step in the ongoing exploration of asteroids and the insights they may provide about the early solar system.