NASA's Psyche Mission to an Asteroid: Official NASA Trailer

The video discusses the mission to 16 Psyche, a metal-rich asteroid believed to be the remnant core of an early planetesimal. The mission aims to study Psyche's composition and magnetic field using advanced instruments. The spacecraft will use Hall effect thruster technology for propulsion, marking the first time this technology is used in deep space. The mission is significant for understanding planetary formation and offers a unique opportunity to study a planetary core.

What makes 16 Psyche a unique asteroid in our solar system?

• It is the closest asteroid to Earth.

• It has a thick rocky mantle.

• It is metal-rich and possibly a remnant core.

• It is the largest asteroid.

What is the expected arrival time of the spacecraft at 16 Psyche?

• End of 2022

• Early 2023

• Early 2026

• End of 2025

Which instrument on the spacecraft will help determine if Psyche has a magnetic field?

• Gamma ray neutron spectrometer

• Magnetometer

• Radio transmitter

• Camera

What is the primary advantage of using Hall effect thruster technology in this mission?

• It is faster than traditional rockets.

• It is cheaper to manufacture.

• It can carry more payload.

• It uses less fuel, making it more efficient.

What propellant is used in the solar electric propulsion system for this mission?

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Xenon