The spacecraft, constructed by Maxar Space Systems, will run its electrical thrusters for the equivalent of 3 months in between now and November to keep the objective on track for arrival at asteroid Psyche in 2029.

“Through comprehensive testing and analysis, the team narrowed down the potential causes to a valve that may have malfunctioned in the primary line,” NASA stated in a declaration Friday. “The switch to the identical backup propellant line in late May restored full functionality to the propulsion system.”

The next waypoint on Psyche’s trip will be a flyby of Mars in May 2026. Authorities anticipate Psyche to keep that date, which is important for utilizing Mars’ gravity to slingshot the spacecraft deeper into the Solar System, ultimately reaching the asteroid belt about 4 years from now.

At Psyche, the spacecraft will get in orbit and gradually move better to the asteroid, utilizing a suite of sensing units to map its surface area, determine its shape, mass, and gravity field, and identify its essential structure. Observations through telescopes recommend Psyche is approximately 140 miles (226 kilometers) in size, or about the width of Massachusetts. It’s most likely not round in shape. Researchers explain its shape as more similar to a potato.

Potatoes can be found in great deals of shapes, and scientists will not understand precisely what Psyche appears like till NASA’s asteroid explorer gets here in 2029. Mind will be the very first metal, or M-type, asteroid checked out by any spacecraft, and researchers aspire to study a things that’s mainly made from metals— most likely iron, nickel, and possibly some rarer aspects—rather of rocky minerals.

With the Psyche spacecraft’s plasma thrusters back in action, these objectives of NASA’s billion-dollar science objective stay attainable.

“The mission team’s dedication and systematic approach to this investigation exemplifies the best of NASA engineering,” stated Bob Mase, Psyche job supervisor at JPL, in a declaration. “Their thorough diagnosis and recovery, using the backup system, demonstrates the value of robust spacecraft design and exceptional teamwork.”

There’s still a remaining issue whatever issue triggered the valve to malfunction in the main fuel line may likewise ultimately impact the very same kind of valve in the backup line.

“We are doing a lot of good proactive work around that possible issue,” composed Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Psyche’s primary detective at Arizona State University, in a post on X.