Before you think it’s science fiction, this is a real mission — and it’s already underway. NASA has officially launched a probe heading toward an asteroid that could, if expectations are confirmed, change everything we know about economics and planetary science.
The asteroid is called Psyche 16, and it’s not your average space rock. Found between Mars and Jupiter, it’s believed to contain tons of valuable metals, and not just iron or nickel — but possibly gold and platinum too. Estimates put its total value at a jaw-dropping 700 quintillion dollars. Yes, that’s a seven followed by 20 zeros.
Let’s cut into what makes Psyche 16 so special — and why we’re sending a spacecraft to study it.
Asteroid
Psyche 16 was discovered in the 1800s, but it didn’t stand out at first. Back then, it looked like just another asteroid in the crowded belt between Mars and Jupiter.
But recent research revealed something strange. Unlike most asteroids made mostly of rock or ice, Psyche 16 appears to be made almost entirely of metal — and not just one kind. We’re talking iron, nickel, gold, platinum, and other precious materials.
Some scientists believe this might be the exposed core of a failed planet, a remnant left behind after a violent cosmic collision. If that’s true, Psyche 16 offers a rare chance to study what planetary cores are made of — something we can’t easily do here on Earth.
Mission
NASA’s Psyche mission was launched in October 2023, with the help of SpaceX. The spacecraft isn’t going to land or bring back samples — at least not yet. Its goal is to orbit Psyche 16 starting in 2029 and spend two years analyzing the asteroid’s makeup and behavior.
Why? Because understanding this asteroid could teach us how rocky planets like Earth were formed — how cores develop, how materials separate, and what kind of building blocks the early solar system had.
Sure, the talk of 700 quintillion dollars makes headlines, but for NASA, this is about pure science — for now.
Value
The number that gets everyone’s attention is the estimated value of Psyche 16: 700 quintillion dollars. To put that in perspective:
- If evenly divided among the global population, each person would receive more than $1 million.
- That’s enough to collapse every known economy, if somehow all that metal was brought back and sold.
But we’re not anywhere near doing that — and that’s probably a good thing. Flooding Earth’s markets with precious metals would destroy their value overnight.
So, while it sounds like a gold rush in space, it’s more of a science lab than a treasure chest.
Uses
Even if we don’t mine it tomorrow, this mission could help us:
- Learn how planets like Earth were formed
- Understand metal-rich asteroids and their stability
- Develop future space mining plans
- Test robotic exploration on distant celestial bodies
The mission is also a test run for organizing long-term space operations that could have both scientific and commercial goals in the future.
Limits
There’s a long way to go before any of this affects your daily life. The spacecraft won’t reach Psyche 16 until 2029, and even then, we’re just observing.
Here are some current limitations:
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Distance | Located 370 million km from Earth |
| Mining tech | We don’t yet have the tools to extract |
| Cost | Returning materials would be expensive |
| Economic disruption | Too much metal could crash markets |
Still, Psyche 16 is more than just a shiny object in space. It represents the possibility that in the not-so-distant future, humanity might source resources from beyond Earth — reducing the strain on our planet and opening up new frontiers.
Future
Right now, Psyche is a mission of curiosity, not commerce. But it marks a turning point.
Whether it’s 10 years from now or 50, we may begin to seriously look into asteroid mining. With resources scattered throughout our solar system, the next big economic leap might not be on land — but in orbit.
So, while we won’t be cashing in on space gold anytime soon, the journey to Psyche 16 could set the foundation for something huge. It’s not about overnight riches, but about redefining our relationship with space — and what’s possible up there.
FAQs
What is Psyche 16?
It’s a metal-rich asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter.
How valuable is Psyche 16?
Estimated at $700 quintillion in precious metals.
When will the probe reach Psyche 16?
NASA’s probe will arrive in 2029 and orbit for 2 years.
Will NASA mine the asteroid?
No, the mission is for study, not mining.
Why is this mission important?
It helps us understand how planets like Earth were formed.
