NASA’s six-year, 2.2-billion-mile mission to metal-rich “16 Psyche” lifted off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center just after 10 a.m. ET Friday aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. 16 Psyche is a 140-mile-wide asteroid that looks like a potato, but could be made of gold, platinum, iron and nickel — putting its potential precious metal value at $700 quintillion (700 followed by 18 zeros).

“This will be our first time visiting a world that has a metal surface,” Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Psyche principal investigator and foundation and regents professor at Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration, told CNN. “There aren’t that many completely unexplored types of worlds in our solar system for us to go see, so that is what is so exciting about this.”
The Psyche spacecraft is scheduled to fly by Mars in May 2026 and use the planet’s gravity to slingshot its trajectory toward Psyche. The mission is expected to meet up with the asteroid in late July 2029 and spend the next 26 months mapping its surface, taking images and determining whether scientist’s predictions about Psyche’s metal core are truly accurate.
Beyond the precious metal implications for the nascent space-mining industry, NASA and its university partners are excited to explore 16 Psyche because it appears to be the exposed core of an early planet, perhaps the size of Mars, that lost its rocky outer layers due to violent collisions that occurred while the solar system was forming.
Measuring about 140 miles in diameter (1/16th the diameter of Earth’s Moon), 16 Psyche could present scientists with a close representation of what lies deep within planets, such as Earth, Mercury, Venus and Mars.
According to NASA, the asteroid is the only known place in our solar system where scientists might be able to examine an exposed metal core. Unlike many objects in the solar system that rotate like a spinning top, the asteroid Psyche rotates on its side, like a wheel. NASA scientists had to take this unique characteristic into account when planning the spacecraft’s orbits.
Psyche 16 is named after the nymph Psyche, who, according to Roman mythology, married Cupid but was put to death by Venus. At Cupid’s request, Jupiter — the king of the Gods — made Psyche immortal. The unique metal asteroid was discovered in 1852 by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis.
The US government has already made legal preparations for the eventuality of space mining. The SPACE Act, which became law in 2015, includes provisions for private companies to extract resources from asteroids with limited government interference. Although the law does not allow for companies to claim, say, an asteroid, for their own, miners may keep anything they obtain from their exploration and mining.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU.
Please Join Us----- ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Dreaming of Upgrading Your Engagement Ring?
Would you like to have custom-designed jewelry?? This is our specialty! Sit down with Elliott to custom-design your perfect piece of jewelry.
Whether you want to repair and rejuvenate a cherished family heirloom or redesign your wedding ring to commemorate a special milestone or even trade in your outdated ring for something new, Elliott's Jewelers is dedicated to making your dream jewelry a reality. Let's create something extraordinary together! By appointment 6 days a week!
To schedule your personal appointment, visit us at www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Enjoy a jewelry experience tailored just for you. Book a private appointment at Elliott’s Jewelers for a one-on-one consultation and a relaxed setting to explore our stunning collection.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
📢 Our Spring Fundraiser kicks off tonight!
Thank you, prize sponsors! Without you, this fundraiser would not be possible.
Elliott's Jewelers - Huntsville, TX
HBI Office Solutions
First National Bank of Huntsville
Contact jsl.huntsville@gmail.com or DM with any questions! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Diamonds hold stories, but a mother's love holds generations together.
At Elliott's Jewelers, we see how she passes down love, values, and often, treasured jewelry that becomes a piece of your family's history.
We're honored to be more than just a jeweler; we're here to help you craft moments that will be cherished for years to come. It's about finding that special piece with the perfect story, creating an experience that lasts.
Thank you for trusting Elliott's Jewelers to be a part of your family's unfolding story. We're grateful to help you create your own beautiful traditions.
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com
💖 #JewelryWithMeaning #FamilyHeirlooms #MakingMemories #ElliottsStory #GenerationsOfLove
#generationsoflove ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Love is in full bloom this spring. At Elliott’s Jewelers, we’re here to help you design a custom engagement ring that captures your story and celebrates your forever.
I.00 carat natural diamonds prices start at $2,100.
Appointments available 6 days a week.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The beauty of a custom engagement ring is in the details—and in the experience of working with a personal jeweler who learns about you, your lifestyle and what is important to you.
At Elliott’s Jewelers, we take the time to understand your vision and craft a ring that is meant just for you.
Take a look here..... www.elliottsjewelers.com/product/ladies-14kt-yellow-gold-diamond-engagement-ring-2-71-cttw/
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Special moments deserve a ring as meaningful as the love they represent. At Elliott’s, we’re here for every “yes,” every happy tear, and every milestone to come. Let’s create a ring that carries your love and memories for a lifetime.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at: Available 6 days a week!
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Love grows, and so can your diamond. Whether you’re upgrading your ring or designing something new, Elliott ensures every diamond is natural, hand-selected, and chosen just for you.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The beauty of a custom engagement ring is in the details—and in the experience of working with a personal jeweler who learns about you, your lifestyle and what is important to you. At Elliott’s Jewelers, we take the time to understand your vision, crafting a ring that it is meant just for you.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
Elliott's Jewelers, Huntsville TX Favorite Jeweler
www.elliottsjewelers.com
I get to create beautiful, memorable and emotional jewelry for customers who become lifelong friends. Call me to learn more.3 CommentsComment on Facebook