[NASA] Psyche Approaches Mars

[SpaceMan 0]

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This composite of images taken by NASA’s Psyche mission shows the crescent of Mars grow as the spacecraft approached the planet for a gravity assist from May 2 to May 15, 2026. Because Psyche approached Mars from a high phase angle, the planet appeared as a thin crescent in the days running up to the close approach, lit by sunlight reflecting off its surface.

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This composite photo released on July 17, 2026, shows the 

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 grow as NASA’s Psyche spacecraft approached the planet for a gravity assist.

Psyche flew by Mars on May 15, 2026, using the planet’s gravity to gain speed and slightly tilt its trajectory. The

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also gave the team an opportunity to prep for the science they will be conducting when they reach the metal-rich asteroid Psyche in 2029.

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Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/****

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