Robotic Nasa aircraft to fly near Mars for crucial gravity boost midway through six-year journey

• NASA's Psyche spacecraft is poised for a close flyby of Mars this Friday, utilising the Red Planet's gravity for a crucial boost.
• The robotic explorer will slingshot past Mars at 12,333 mph (19,848 kph), passing within 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometres) of the planet.
• During the flyby, Psyche will capture thousands of images, serving as vital practice for its primary encounter with the metal asteroid Psyche in 2029.
• The Psyche asteroid, located in the asteroid belt, is believed to be the exposed nickel and iron core of a fledgling planet, offering insights into the early solar system.
• Launched in 2023, the spacecraft is midway through its six-year journey and is expected to arrive at the asteroid in 2029 for two years of study.

IN FULL

NASA spacecraft to fly close to Mars this week as it chases rare metal asteroid