NASA’s Psyche spacecraft captures Earth and Moon from 180 million miles

Far from home, a spacecraft turned its eyes back. NASA’s Psyche, headed for a metal-rich asteroid, recently photographed Earth and the Moon from deep space. The pictures were taken during a routine test of its scientific instruments.

What did the spacecraft capture?
On 20 and 23 July, Psyche’s twin cameras recorded long-exposure images of Earth and the Moon. From 180 million miles away, both appeared as faint dots. They glowed against starfields in the constellation Aries, reflecting sunlight. The images were made using Psyche’s multispectral imager, designed with filters and telescopic lenses. This tool will eventually reveal the composition of the asteroid Psyche by analysing its reflected light.

Scientists test the imagers on objects that shine like Psyche. Known bodies with well-studied spectra, such as Earth, help calibrate the cameras. Earlier this year, Psyche also observed Mars and Jupiter. Their reddish tones provided a contrast to Earth’s bluer spectrum. By comparing data from different objects, researchers ensure the imagers remain accurate. Some future targets may include Saturn or the asteroid Vesta.

How is the spacecraft performing?
The July tests also included Psyche’s magnetometer and spectrometer. Engineers reported both worked well. These checkouts occur every six months during the cruise. Bob Mase, project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, confirmed the mission is on schedule. The spacecraft will swing past Mars in May 2026, using its gravity to speed toward the asteroid. That manoeuvre will mark the first of two planned loops around the Solar System since Psyche’s launch in October 2023.