The upcoming mission to the asteroid near Mars is an exhilarating endeavor that aims to determine whether it has the potential to disrupt the global economy. While some may find this notion far-fetched, scientists assert that the 16 Psyche space rock could be an invaluable treasure trove of precious metals, estimated to be worth over $10,000 quadrillion (£8,072 quadrillion). However, there are skeptics who argue that it is simply a mass of hard rock. Nevertheless, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, scheduled to launch in less than 100 days and arrive at the asteroid in four years, should provide a definitive answer.
In Cape Canaveral, Florida, engineers and technicians are tirelessly working day and night to ensure that preparations for lift-off are on track. They are currently in the final stages of readiness. Ganymede, the orbiter that will embark upon this fascinating journey, is being equipped for a 2.5-billion-mile (4-billion-kilometer) expedition to 16 Psyche, which rests in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This mission not only seeks to ascertain the abundance of metals but also aims to enhance our understanding of planetary cores and the processes involved in planet formation.
Dr. Linda Elkins-Tanton, a space scientist at MIT, has conducted calculations suggesting that the iron alone within 16 Psyche is worth an astounding $10,000 quadrillion (£8,072 quadrillion). If the market for asteroid materials were located on Earth, the influx of such a vast quantity of precious metals could lead to a monumental drop in their value. Consequently, this would result in the devaluation of all assets, including those belonging to governments, as well as mining, distribution, and trade companies involved in these commodities. The ramifications of such a scenario could potentially lead to a catastrophic collapse of the global economy.
Dr. Elkins-Tanton speculates on the possible scenarios that could unfold if a substantial portion of the metal-rich asteroid were brought back to Earth. She contemplates the notion of controlling the global resource like corporations control diamonds, meticulously safeguarding and manipulating the market. Alternatively, she ponders how it could solve humanity’s metal resource deficiencies by returning with the intention of permanently resolving this issue. However, she acknowledges that these ideas are purely speculative.
The Psyche spacecraft, described as slightly larger than a Smart Car and as tall as a regulation basketball hoop, is poised to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. After escaping Earth’s gravity, it will utilize solar electric propulsion for its six-year voyage to the asteroid. Measuring approximately 173 miles (279 kilometers) at its widest point, 16 Psyche is believed to be a fragment of a planet’s core, offering a unique opportunity to study the formation of planets like our own Earth.
Once the orbiter reaches its destination, it will spend a minimum of 26 months orbiting the asteroid, capturing images and collecting data that will shed light on its history and composition. Scientists hope to obtain information regarding its topography, gravitational properties, and the distribution of various elements throughout the object.
In summary, this mission to 16 Psyche holds immense promise and intrigue. It presents the possibility of unraveling the enigma surrounding the asteroid and unearthing valuable insights into planetary cores and formation. While the extraordinary worth of the asteroid’s precious metals could have profound implications for the global economy, it is the pursuit of scientific knowledge that drives this endeavor forward.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
