PSYCHE KEEPS ITS DATE WITH AN ASTEROID, BUT NOW IT'S RUNNING IN BACKUP MODE

Summary from the TLDR newsletter

The NASA Psyche spacecraft launched in October 2023 and proceeded normally until April 1 this year, when it detected a drop in pressure inside the line that feeds xenon fuel to its four thrusters. The craft reacted to the pressure signature by powering off the thrusters - this will have no effect on the mission's scheduled arrival at asteroid Psyche in August 2029. The spacecraft recently switched to its backup fuel line and resumed full thruster operations. The next waypoint on Psyche's voyage will be a flyby of Mars in May 2026.