@astroengine

@NASAJPL news media specialist. Topics include (not limited to): ☄️🛰️📡🪐🌕⚛️ Solar physics PhD. Science communicator, writer. Opinions are mine. he/him

 Porter Ranch, Los Angeles
jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-tech-demo-streams-first-video-from-deep-space-via-laser
Joined August 2008
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystem23h
Floor it! NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has fired up its thrusters and is accelerating to the metal-rich asteroid of the same name. Learn more about Psyche’s solar-powered propulsion system, which uses electromagnetic fields to steadily deliver thrust: go.nasa.gov/4jAR2bY
Photo of a Hall thruster identical to those on NASA’s Psyche operating in a vacuum chamber at JPL during tests. A ring of blue light emits a hazy stream of glowing material. The blue light is generated by xenon ions being accelerated through an electromagnetic field, which gives the spacecraft a gentle but steady acceleration. NASA/JPL-Caltech

ALT Photo of a Hall thruster identical to those on NASA’s Psyche operating in a vacuum chamber at JPL during tests. A ring of blue light emits a hazy stream of glowing material. The blue light is generated by xenon ions being accelerated through an electromagnetic field, which gives the spacecraft a gentle but steady acceleration. NASA/JPL-Caltech

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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
@apodJul 30
Solar System bodies make deep space exploration more fuel efficient! Today’s video shows the Psyche spacecraft gaining speed and changing its trajectory with minimal fuel spent due to a gravity assist from Mars in May 2026. Mars has an average orbital speed of almost 87,000 km/h (54,000 mph) around the Sun. Its orbital motion and its gravity allowed Mars to pull Psyche along with it, increasing the spacecraft’s speed. Gravity assists have been used since 1959’s Luna 3 mission to allow for spacecraft (the Voyagers, Cassini) to reach farther than they could with fuel alone. This assist helped the Psyche spacecraft on its journey to the Psyche asteroid, which it will reach in 2029. While passing Mars, the spacecraft tested instruments that will analyze the asteroid’s composition and magnetic field. This is the first mission to an asteroid thought to be largely made of metal, an essential building block for planets, rather than rock or ice. Video Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/True Story Films Text: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II)
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Spox
@NASASpoxJul 25
On July 25, an initial onsite inspection by the NASA Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC) emergency response team found wildfire damage primarily to pavement and surrounding vegetation, with no significant structural damage observed to antennas or buildings. Additional inspections and testing will continue as safety procedures allow. The situation remains dynamic, and comprehensive assessments will proceed as conditions stabilize and access improves. Meanwhile, NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program has seamlessly transitioned mission support to its other Deep Space Communications Complexes in Goldstone, California and Canberra, Australia, ensuring continuity of operations and uninterrupted spacecraft communications.   The safety of NASA personnel remains the agency's highest priority. All personnel at MDSCC are safe, and NASA extends its sincere gratitude to Spanish emergency responders and members of The Ministry of Defense, The Ministry of Interior, and The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for their professionalism and tireless efforts in helping protect the facility under extremely challenging conditions. NASA is also thinking of its partners at the European Space Agency (ESA), whose colleagues continue to be affected by the broader wildfire emergency.      NASA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLJul 17
Mars in motion! ⏩ While on its way to explore a mysterious, metal-rich asteroid, our Psyche spacecraft sped by Mars for a gravity assist to pick up speed and adjust its trajectory. As it approached the planet, it captured this series of high-res snaps.
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
Sam Neill
@TwoPaddocks3 Jul 2023
GOODBYE . My friends, I’m just going to walk quietly away from Twitter for now . I am not happy with what’s happened at Twitter & I’m not happy to be in a place that is so angry & divisive . But I’ll still be alive on Instagram. instagram.com/samneillthepro… And I miss my blue tick !
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLJun 30
“Each of us has a little tiny, finite life. We have enormous gifts that need to be shared, and that's the stuff we need to be doing. We have got to push as far as humanly possible.” Thanks to @astro_reid for the inspiring visit to JPL!
Group selfie of NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, JPL Director Dave Gallagher, JPL employees and interns.

ALT Group selfie of NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, JPL Director Dave Gallagher, JPL employees and interns.

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Great to be back at @NASAJPL and spend time with the people driving some of NASA’s most ambitious missions. The future of exploration depends on teams like this, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. Dare mighty things.
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystemJun 10
Did you miss the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus last night? You didn't! Not really, because the pair will still appear close together tonight. Look to the western sky after sunset. In this view from June 10th, see if you can spot Mercury near the horizon as well.
Jupiter and Venus appear as a pair of bright "stars" in the late evening sky. Their light is reflected in the waters of a marsh. Photo: NASA/Bill Dunford

ALT Jupiter and Venus appear as a pair of bright "stars" in the late evening sky. Their light is reflected in the waters of a marsh. Photo: NASA/Bill Dunford

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This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage secured the freedoms that make great endeavors possible and continues to inspire generations of Americans to serve something larger than themselves. We remember them, and we remain forever grateful.
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA
@NASAMay 20
First stop, Mars. Next stop, Psyche 📍 On May 15, our Psyche spacecraft swung by Mars on its way to its next destination: a metal-rich asteroid also named Psyche. The Red Planet gave the spacecraft a 1,000-mph speed boost and provided some stunning photos as well!
A view of crescent Mars against black space. The planet\u2019s warm color glows faintly along its rim. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

ALT A view of crescent Mars against black space. The planet\u2019s warm color glows faintly along its rim. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

A bird\u2019s-eye view of the double-ring Martian crater Huygens, seen in the top right of the image. The colors appear as a dramatic, blotchy mix of radiant blue and rusty red. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

ALT A bird\u2019s-eye view of the double-ring Martian crater Huygens, seen in the top right of the image. The colors appear as a dramatic, blotchy mix of radiant blue and rusty red. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

A photo of Mars, partially shadowed toward the top of the image, from its south polar region. The planet appears gray from this angle, and its southern ice cap is stark white by contrast. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

ALT A photo of Mars, partially shadowed toward the top of the image, from its south polar region. The planet appears gray from this angle, and its southern ice cap is stark white by contrast. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

A bird\u2019s-eye view of the rusty-red Martian surface. The surface is heavily cratered with white outlines around them, streaky due to the planet\u2019s wind. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

ALT A bird\u2019s-eye view of the rusty-red Martian surface. The surface is heavily cratered with white outlines around them, streaky due to the planet\u2019s wind. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystemMay 20
The initial reports are in: #MissionToPsyche aced its Mars flyby. ☑️ With the Red Planet in the rearview mirror, the spacecraft will soon resume using its solar-electric propulsion system to make a beeline to the main asteroid belt and rendezvous with the asteroid Psyche.
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLMay 19
Hello Mars, goodbye Mars 👋 NASA’s #MissionToPsyche spacecraft was speeding by the Red Planet on May 15 when it snapped this rare, crescent view of Mars. The successful flyby flung the Psyche spacecraft toward its final destination: the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. 1/2
A crescent-shaped Mars against the darkness of space. Within the thin illuminated crescent, the reddish surface and some clouds can be seen.

ALT A crescent-shaped Mars against the darkness of space. Within the thin illuminated crescent, the reddish surface and some clouds can be seen.

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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystemMay 15
Replying to @NASASolarSystem @NASAJPL
Psyche sends its data via the giant antennas of NASA's Deep Space Network. You can see which DSN stations are active and which spacecraft they're communicating with in real time at: eyes.nasa.gov/apps/dsn-now/d… Distance: 5,020 miles Speed: 11,660 mph
Simulated view of the Psyche spacecraft, with its "wings" of solar panel arrays, growing ever closer to the planet Mars, now seen in nearly half-full phase.

ALT Simulated view of the Psyche spacecraft, with its "wings" of solar panel arrays, growing ever closer to the planet Mars, now seen in nearly half-full phase.

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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA
@NASAMay 15
Follow @NASASolarSystem for live updates as our Psyche mission slingshots around Mars! Learn more about the asteroid explorer: science.nasa.gov/mission/psy…

Psyche

The Psyche spacecraft is traveling to a unique metal-rich asteroid with the same name. By August 2029 the spacecraft will begin exploring asteroid Psyche.

science.nasa.gov
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystemMay 15
Right now, NASA's #MissionToPsyche is approaching Mars. Current distance: 29,780 miles Current speed relative to Mars: 10,340 mph This simulated view, based on actual trajectory data, comes from our Eyes on the Solar System experience. Ride along: eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-sys…
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystemMay 15
Right now, NASA's #MissionToPsyche is approaching Mars. Current distance: 29,780 miles Current speed relative to Mars: 10,340 mph This simulated view, based on actual trajectory data, comes from our Eyes on the Solar System experience. Ride along: eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-sys…
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLMay 12
Future spacecraft may be able to “think” for themselves. NASA is testing a next-gen space processor that can withstand the harsh conditions of space, while improving computing power. So far, testing shows it operating at 500 times the performance of chips currently in use. go.nasa.gov/4wm7QHL
The finger and thumb of a hand clad in a blue nitrile glove hold a teal-colored square semiconductor chip against a dark blue background. The chip has an intricate grid of hundreds of tiny silver solder bumps on its underside.

ALT The finger and thumb of a hand clad in a blue nitrile glove hold a teal-colored square semiconductor chip against a dark blue background. The chip has an intricate grid of hundreds of tiny silver solder bumps on its underside.

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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA Solar System
@NASASolarSystemMay 8
The metal-rich asteroid Psyche is one of the most fascinating places in the solar system. This gravity assist maneuver will bring NASA’s mission to explore it one step closer to its destination! All about the #MissionToPsyche: science.nasa.gov/mission/psy…

Psyche

The Psyche spacecraft is traveling to a unique metal-rich asteroid with the same name. By August 2029 the spacecraft will begin exploring asteroid Psyche.

science.nasa.gov
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLMay 8
NASA’s #MissionToPsyche – on its way to explore a rare, metal-rich asteroid – is about to get a speed boost from Mars. 🚀🏁 On May 15, spacecraft will harness the Red Planet’s gravitational pull as a slingshot to increase its speed and adjust its trajectory. 1/2
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLMay 8
As it passes about 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers) from the Martian surface at 12,330 mph (19,840 kph), the #MissionToPsyche team will calibrate the spacecraft’s instruments – and grab some close-up snapshots of the Red Planet! Details: go.nasa.gov/4tsCLPQ 2/2

NASA’s Psyche Mission to Fly by Mars for Gravity Assist  - NASA Science

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will get a boost from Mars on Friday, May 15, passing just 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers) from the planet’s surface at some 12,333

science.nasa.gov
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLApr 28
Powering the next giant leap. A novel electromagnetic thruster that runs on lithium metal vapor was successfully fired up for the first time during initial tests at JPL. Fully developed and paired with a nuclear power source, these thrusters could reduce launch mass and support payloads required for human Mars missions.
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
Reid Wiseman@astro_reidApr 19
Only one chance in this lifetime… Like watching sunset at the beach from the most foreign seat in the cosmos, I couldn’t resist a cell phone video of Earthset. You can hear the shutter on the Nikon as @Astro_Christina is hammering away on 3-shot brackets and capturing those exceptional Earthset photos through the 400mm lens. @AstroVicGlover was in window 3 watching with @Astro_Jeremy next to him. I could barely see the Moon through the docking hatch window but the iPhone was the perfect size to catch the view…this is uncropped, uncut with 8x zoom which is quite comparable to the view of the human eye. Enjoy.
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Ian J. O’Neill 💾 retweeted
NASA JPL
@NASAJPLApr 15
NASA’s SPHEREx mission is mapping “interstellar glaciers.” Researchers believe these ice reservoirs are where most of the universe’s water is formed and stored. Learn more: nasa.gov/missions/spherex/in…
This observation made by NASA’s SPHEREx shows Cygnus X, one of the most active and turbulent regions of star birth in our Milky Way galaxy. The “interstellar glaciers” are visible in bright blue, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in orange. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/IPAC/Hora et al.

ALT This observation made by NASA’s SPHEREx shows Cygnus X, one of the most active and turbulent regions of star birth in our Milky Way galaxy. The “interstellar glaciers” are visible in bright blue, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in orange. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/IPAC/Hora et al.

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