NASA’s Psyche spacecraft captures crescent Mars during gravity assist
The multispectral imager documented Mars growing from a thin crescent to overfilling the field of view between 2 and 15 May 2026
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has released a composite image series documenting the approach to Mars, capturing the planet’s crescent phase as it grew during a gravity assist manoeuvre. The images, recorded between 2 and 15 May 2026, provide a visual record of the spacecraft’s trajectory as it utilised the planet’s gravity to adjust its course en route to its primary destination, the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.
The series was captured by the spacecraft’s multispectral imager instrument. It begins with Mars appearing as a small crescent when the planet was at its greatest distance from the spacecraft. As Psyche drew nearer, the illuminated portion of the planet progressively increased in the frame, reflecting the changing geometry of the approach.
Mars appeared as a thin crescent in the days leading up to the close approach because Psyche approached from a high phase angle. During this period, the planet was lit by sunlight reflecting off its surface, creating the distinct crescent shape observed in the initial images.
Following these initial views, the spacecraft moved into close approach with the planet. As the distance decreased, Mars began to overfill the field of view. This shift in proximity allowed the multispectral imager to capture a series of high-resolution images of the Martian surface, marking a transition from observing the planet’s phase to detailing its terrain.
The Psyche mission team has compiled a time-lapse of the entire encounter, integrating views from the approach, close approach, and departure phases. This composite sequence offers a continuous visual narrative of the gravity assist, a critical manoeuvre that aids the spacecraft’s journey to the asteroid Psyche.
The gravity assist occurred in May 2026, serving as a pivotal point in the mission’s timeline. The successful execution of this manoeuvre and the resulting imagery underscore the operational precision of the Psyche spacecraft as it continues its voyage through the solar system.
Data from this encounter contributes to the broader scientific understanding of the mission’s trajectory and instrument performance. The images serve as both a scientific record and a visual testament to the spacecraft’s progress, providing context for the ongoing exploration of the asteroid belt.
