NASA
Where is Psyche now?
Today Psyche is 1.8 au (274.5 million km) from Earth and 1.7 au from the Sun. Its radio signals take 15 min 16 s to reach us. It is moving towards Earth at 9.2 km/s.
In our sky it is in Cancer (right ascension 08h 54m 06s, declination +15° 13′ 00″), but far too faint to see.
Where it is in the Solar System
Seen from above the plane of Earth’s orbit, with the Sun in the middle: the planets’ orbits, the spacecraft today and its path a year back and a year ahead (where JPL’s trajectory covers it).
Mission
Will orbit the metal-rich asteroid Psyche for about two years to map its surface and determine its composition.
| Agency | NASA |
|---|---|
| Launch | October 13, 2023 |
| Destination | 16 Psyche |
| Status | On course for arrival at asteroid Psyche in August 2029 after a Mars gravity assist in May 2026. |
Milestones
Position: JPL Horizons, October 13, 2026. NASA · Data sources
How to use this page
The page shows where the spacecraft is now, its path through the solar system, its key facts and its main milestones, from NASA JPL’s data.
Frequently asked questions
How is the position worked out?
From NASA JPL Horizons, which publishes the trajectories of spacecraft. The page is refreshed daily.
Can I see it in the sky?
No. Deep space probes are far too small and far away to see, even with a large telescope.
How do we talk to it?
Through NASA’s Deep Space Network, large radio dishes in California, Spain and Australia.