NASA's Psyche spacecraft, on its way to a metal-rich asteroid, used Mars as a gravitational slingshot in May 2026, skimming just 2,800 miles above the planet to gain the speed it needed

In May 2026, NASA's Psyche spacecraft executed a critical maneuver by using Mars as a gravitational slingshot to increase its velocity. According to reports from Space Daily and 19FortyFive, the spacecraft skimmed the planet at a distance of approximately 2,800 miles, with 19FortyFive specifying the exact distance as 2,864 miles. This high-speed flyby allowed the probe to gain 1,000 mph of speed without the need to expend any of its onboard propellant. The mission is now proceeding toward its primary target, a metal-rich asteroid known as 16 Psyche, which scientists believe may be the exposed core of an early planet. Coverage from various outlets highlights the staggering perceived value of the asteroid's metallic composition.

Mashable India reports on the mission's goal to probe an asteroid worth $100,000 quadrillion, while Inshorts refers to the target as a $10 quintillion asteroid. Other coverage, such as that from Futura, le média qui explore le monde, examines the reality behind this potential 'space rush' and the actual value of asteroid metals, which are described as being worth billions. These outlets emphasize the intersection of scientific exploration and the economic implications of deep-space mining. The context of this mission centers on the unique nature of 16 Psyche. Unlike most asteroids, which are rocky or icy, this target is characterized as a metal world.

As noted by 19FortyFive, the spacecraft is investigating the theory that this object represents the core of a protoplanet from the early solar system. Understanding the composition of such a core provides a rare opportunity to study the internal processes of planet formation that are typically hidden deep beneath the surfaces of terrestrial planets like Earth. Looking forward, the mission's trajectory is now set for the asteroid following the successful Mars assist. Monitoring will continue as the spacecraft approaches 16 Psyche to begin its scientific probe of the metal-rich environment. While the financial figures cited by Mashable India and Inshorts create significant public interest, the immediate technical focus remains on the spacecraft's transit and its ability to analyze the exposed core of this early planet.