The Agency Says
It can't finish testing processes needed to carry out the mission before its launch deadline on Oct. 11
The Goal Was to Reach Its Target
In 2026, but owing to orbital position constraints, even a launch in 2024 means the spacecraft won't reach the asteroid until 29'
The Issue
Which pushed the original mission timeline from August to beyond September, was subsequently fixed.
The Estimated $985
Million budget for the Psyche mission, $717 million have already been spent.
Psyche Is
A metal-rich asteroid that is roughly 173 miles across at its widest point.
The Last Deadline
For mission take-off was October 11, but following the delay, the launch likely won't happen this year.