NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft Is About To Fly Shockingly Close to Mars

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is skimming about 2,800 miles above Mars at roughly 12,330 mph to gain a gravity boost toward its asteroid destination.

The flyby helps the probe save fuel and confirms its navigation and solar-electric propulsion systems before reaching Psyche in 2029.

During the pass, Psyche will use its instruments to observe Mars, calibrate its camera, and return images for later analysis.

The encounter also gives scientists additional Mars data while advancing the mission toward the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.