16 Psyche
(16) Psyche · discovered 1852
Introduction
- Type
- Main-belt asteroid; Tholen class M (SMASS class X).Source: [1] NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics
- Discovery
- Discovered: March 17, 1852 — Naples, by Annibale de Gasparis.Source: [2] NASA Science
Physical
- Size
- Mean diameter: ≈ 222 km (138 mi); Dimensions: ≈ 278 × 238 × 171 km — an irregular, potato-like shape.Source: [1] NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics
- Mass
- Mass: ≈ 2.40 × 10¹⁹ kg (Gaia estimate); Bulk density: ≈ 4.2 g/cm³.Source: [3] Wikipedia, [1] NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics
- Rotation
- Rotation period: ≈ 4.2 hours; Axial tilt: ≈ 98° — it spins almost on its side.Source: [1] NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics, [3] Wikipedia
- Surface composition
- Geometric albedo: ≈ 0.12; Metal content: Estimated 30–60% metal by volume.Source: [1] NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics, [2] NASA Science
- Moons
- None reported in our sources.
Orbit & access
- Orbit
- Distance from Sun: 2.53–3.32 AU (average ≈ 2.92 AU); Orbital period: ≈ 5.0 years; Orbital inclination: ≈ 3.1° to the ecliptic.Source: [1] NASA JPL Solar System Dynamics
- Accessibility (Δv / travel time)
- Model assumptionAbout 10.1 km/s of ideal Δv from low Earth orbit (5.03 km/s to depart + 5.05 km/s to arrive), and about 1.4 years for an ideal transfer.Model calculation from our Space Resource Intelligence (SRI) sample report: ideal two-impulse Hohmann transfer with a plane change, no gravity assists. Real trajectories differ.
- Mission history
- Spacecraft: NASA's Psyche — launched Oct. 13, 2023; prime mission from August 2029.Source: [4] NASA Science
Resources & economy
- Believed resources
- Model assumptionOur model looks at in-space structural metal. Usable fraction assumed at 0.3–0.7 of extracted material (bear to bull). Bounded by bulk metal content, which is not measured directly for this body; M-type class and density are the only evidence.SRI sample-model assumption, not a measurement.
- Economic outlook
- Model assumptionScientific value now; any resource value is long-horizon option value. Our sample model gives an NPV of about −$2,036M (bear), −$100M (base) and $27,397M (bull).Model output from our SRI sample valuation model (launch, product value, transit, extraction and discount-rate inputs are scenario assumptions, not forecasts). Not investment advice.
- Business uses
- Information products, science partnerships, and a (very long-shot) in-space resource case. See the Business page. Open →