NASA Psyche Spacecraft Begins Continuous Thruster Flight

The mission is now using its Hall-effect thrusters to navigate toward the asteroid belt for a 2029 arrival.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Space

A metallic space probe with large solar panels drifting in the dark expanse of space, with a faint blue ion propulsion glow. — NASA's Psyche spacecraft has initiated continuous operation of its electric propulsion system, marking a key phase in its voyage to the asteroid belt. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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NASA's Psyche spacecraft began nearly continuous operation of its electric propulsion system on September 28, 2026. This maneuver is a critical phase of the journey to the asteroid belt, where the probe is set to arrive by the summer of 2029.

Why it matters

The mission aims to study the asteroid Psyche to better understand planetary formation. Precise propulsion management is required to maintain the spacecraft trajectory and manage the angular momentum of its internal reaction wheels.

The spacecraft utilizes four Hall-effect thrusters that expel ionized xenon gas to reach speeds up to 100,000 mph. Power is supplied by two solar arrays spanning a total area of 800 square feet, which will provide roughly half power in three months.

The players

NASA

The United States government agency responsible for the nation civilian space program and aeronautics research.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

A research and development center in Southern California operated by Caltech for NASA that focuses on robotic space exploration.

The details

The propulsion system generates up to 250 millinewtons of force by using electromagnetic fields to accelerate ions. To keep the spacecraft steady, engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory adjust thruster activity to counteract torque buildup on the onboard reaction wheels.

October 2023: The Psyche spacecraft launched from Earth.
September 28, 2026: The spacecraft began nearly continuous use of its propulsion system.
Summer 2029: The spacecraft is scheduled to reach the asteroid.

The Big Picture

The Psyche mission represents a major milestone in the development of electric propulsion technology within the NASA Discovery Program. This mission extends the capability of deep-space exploration by relying on long-duration ion propulsion rather than traditional chemical rockets.

Advances in Hall-effect thruster efficiency developed for this mission have the potential to enable more cost-effective and faster transit for future deep-space robotic cargo missions. This research helps refine the engineering protocols necessary for long-term space navigation.

The takeaway

This flight phase confirms the operational readiness of long-duration ion propulsion for interplanetary travel. Successfully navigating the probe to an asteroid 173 miles wide demonstrates the precision required for future solar system exploration.