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Psyche's Gamma Sensor Rehearses on Mars

The LLNL-built detector kept its resolution after 2.6 years in deep space and exercised its pipeline during a gravity assist.

Published Updated Story ID: mp-2026-07-17-014
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Summary

The LLNL-built detector kept its resolution after 2.6 years in deep space and exercised its pipeline during a gravity assist.

The sensor collected data as Psyche passed within 2,864 miles of Mars at over 12,000 miles per hour. The encounter tested sensitivity, radiation effects, repair operations, cosmic-ray monitoring, and processing rather than mapping Mars. The instrument maintained expected resolution; asteroid arrival is due in 2029.

Why it matters

The LLNL-built detector kept its resolution after 2.6 years in deep space and exercised its pipeline during a gravity assist.

Limits and context

No additional limitation was separately recorded.

Key claims

  1. The LLNL-built detector kept its resolution after 2.6 years in deep space and exercised its pipeline during a gravity assist.

    Evidence: source-2026-07-17-014

Sources

  1. LLNL via Newswise: Psyche gamma sensorLLNL via Newswise · secondary reporting

Corrections

No corrections have been recorded for this story.