Psyche keeps its date with an asteroid, but now it’s running in backup mode

NASA’s $1.4 billion Psyche mission has successfully reignited its plasma thrusters and switched to a backup fuel line as it journeys toward an unexplored metal-rich asteroid. Utilizing an efficient solar electric propulsion system powered by xenon gas, the spacecraft’s plasma engines provide lower thrust but can sustain prolonged operation to effectively navigate through space.

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