NASA spacecraft launched to mysterious and rare metal asteroid in first mission of its kind
A NASA spacecraft has rocketed away on a six-year journey to a rare asteroid made of metal CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s Psyche space craft rocketed away Friday on a six-year journey to a rare metal -covered asteroid . Most asteroids tend to be rocky or icy, and this is the first exploration of a metal world. Scientists believe it may be the battered remains of an early planet's core, and could shed light on the inaccessible centers of Earth and other rocky planets. SpaceX launched the spacecraft into an overcast midmorning sky from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Named for the asteroid it’s chasing, Psyche should reach the huge, potato-shaped object in 2029. “It's so thrilling,” said Laurie Leshin, director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Added Arizona State University's Jim Bell, part of the Psyche team: “What a great ride so far.” An hour later, the spacecraft separated successfully from the rocket's upper stage and floated away, drawing applause from ground co...