A Post‐Launch Summary of the Science of NASA's Psyche Mission
Steven D. Dibb, Erik Asphaug, J. F. Bell, Richard P. Binzel, W. F. Bottke, Saverio Cambioni, J. M. Christoph, L. T. Elkins‐Tanton, R. Jaumann, D. J. Lawrence, R. Oran, J. G. O’Rourke, Carol Polansky, B. P. Weiss, M. A. Wieczorek, D. A. Williams
Abstract
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.