NASA confirms asteroid 16 Psyche with metals worth 700 quintillion dollars in gold and iron Por Carolina Costa
3 min de leitura
 |
NASA confirms that the asteroid 16 Psyche, in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, contains a metallic composition rich in iron, nickel and gold, with an estimated value of up to 700 quintillion dollars.
The space agency launched the Psyche probe in October 2023 to study the object, which may represent the exposed core of an ancient protoplanet.
Siga o Mix Vale no Google e veja nossas notícias primeiro
This discovery, announced in recent mission updates, takes place in November 2025, as the spacecraft progresses towards the scheduled rendezvous in 2029.
The focus lies on the scientific analysis of the internal structure, aiming to understand the initial formation of the Solar System.
- Approximate diameter: 226 kilometers.
- Estimated composition: 30% to 60% metals.
- Current distance from Earth: about 238 million kilometers.
Unique metallic composition
NASA scientists identify 16 Psyche as a surface with significant variations in metal and color, observed by ground-based telescopes in Chile.
This heterogeneity suggests ancient collisions that removed outer layers, exposing the core.
Psyche Mission Advances
The probe resumed full propulsion operations in June 2025, after adjustments to a backup fuel line.
Engineers monitor the systemXenium ion theme to ensure trajectory.
Gravity-assisted flight on Mars will take place in May 2026.
Importance for planetary science
The asteroid offers data on the cores of rocky planets, similar to Earth’s.
Research indicates the presence of hydrated silicates on the surface, detected by infrared spectra.
The mission will collect topography and magnetism information during 20 months in orbit.
Instruments include an imager and a gamma spectrometer.
Chronology of discovery
16 Psyche was sighted in 1852 by the Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis, at the Naples Observatory.
In 2017, NASA approved the mission, with launch postponed from 2022 to 2023 due to optimizations.
MIT studies in 2023 mapped surface properties based on radar and optical observations.
2025 updates confirm fuel pressure stabilized at 26 pounds per square inch.
The probe tests Deep Space Optical Communications, transmitting data via infrared laser.
Rates reached 25 megabits per second at distances of 1.5 astronomical units.
Experiments will continue until October 2025, exceeding initial targets of 1 megabit per second.
Orbital structure details
The ship spirals toward the asteroid, using 80-foot-wide solar panels for propulsion.
Total mass at launch: 2,747 kilograms, including secondary experiments.
The orbital period around Psyche begins in August 2029, lasting 817 days.
Remote Headings
Telescopes like Hubble have captured images showing crater-like depressions.
Analysis reveals surface oxidation by solar winds, with traces of hydroxyl.
This evidence points to interactions with ultraviolet radiation over billions of years.
Main physical parameters
The asteroid orbits 370 million kilometers from Earth on average, varying with planetary positions.
Its density suggests a primordial body stripped by violent impacts.
The Psyche mission is part of the Discovery Program, focused on moderate-cost robotic explorations. NASA confirms asteroid 16 Psyche with metals worth 700 quintillion dollars in gold and iron
