Mission
Watch the Psyche Mission Launch
When:
Thursday, October 12, 7:16 a.m. PT (10:16 a.m. ET)Where:
Online (see event details)Target Audience:
General PublicOverview:
Update: Sept. 29, 2023 – NASA and SpaceX are now targeting Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:16 a.m. PT (10:16 a.m. ET) for the Psyche launch. Get the latest updates on NASA's Psyche Mission blog.
Follow along with NASA for the launch of the Psyche asteroid mission. The Psyche mission is designed to explore an asteroid – also named Psyche – that is thought to be the remnant of a planet's core. After escaping Earth’s gravity, the spacecraft will use solar electric propulsion (rather than a chemical engine) to make its six-year journey to the asteroid, arriving in August 2029.
The first opportunity for launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida is Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:16 a.m. PT (10:16 a.m. ET) with additional opportunities through October 25.
- Get the latest launch updates and more on NASA's Psyche mission Blog.
- Watch live coverage of the event below on October 12. Coverage is also available on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTube, X, Facebook, and NASA’s App.
- You can also register to be a virtual guest at the event and receive schedule updates, curated resources, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Education Resources
For Educators
- Teachable Moments
Asteroid Mission Aims to Explore Mysteries of Earth's Core
Explore how NASA's Psyche mission aims to help scientists answer questions about Earth and the formation of our solar system. Then, make connections to STEM learning in the classroom.
- Collection
Psyche Lessons for Educators
Explore a collection of standards-aligned lessons related to NASA's Psyche mission.
- Collection
Asteroids Lessons for Educators
Explore a collection of standards-aligned lessons all about asteroids and craters.
- Teachable Moments
How NASA Studies and Tracks Asteroids Near and Far
Studying the chemical and physical properties, as well as the location and motion of asteroids, is vital to helping us understand how the sun, planets and other solar system bodies came to be. This article explores how NASA studies and tracks asteroids.
- Expert Talk
Teaching Space With NASA: Tracking Asteroids
In this educational talk, NASA experts will discuss how we track and study comets and asteroids. Plus, we'll answer your questions!
- Teachable Moments
The Science Behind NASA's First Attempt at Redirecting an Asteroid
Find out more about the historic first test, which could be used to defend our planet if a hazardous asteroid were discovered.
- Collection
Psyche Activities for Students
Explore projects, videos, slideshows, and games for students all about asteroids.
- Collection
Asteroids Activities for Students
Explore projects, videos, slideshows, and games for students all about asteroids.
- Get the latest updates from the JPL education team. Sign up for the JPL Education newsletter
- Join the conversation with @NASAJPL_Edu on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Article for Kids: Asteroid or Meteor: What's the Difference?
- Article for Kids: What Is an Asteroid?
- Article for Kids: Why Does the Moon Have Craters?
- Article for Kids: What Is an Impact Crater?
For Students
Join the Conversation
Check out these related resources for kids from NASA Space Place: