NASA Psyche Mission
Psyche is a NASA mission to study a metal-rich asteroid with the same name, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This is NASA’s first mission to study an asteroid that has more metal than rock or ice.
Spring 2026
In-Situ Resource Utilization for Hypothesized Surfaces: Magnetic Collection on Psyche
This project proposes an in-situ resource utilization system for the asteroid Psyche using magnetic collection and inductive sensing to gather and identify metallic ore in low-gravity environments. The system stabilizes transported material with permanent magnets, detects metal type by analyzing electromagnetic responses from dual sensing coils, and sorts the material into separate storage chamber. Demo…
Modification of Heritage Scientific Instrumentation for Exploration of Hypothesized Surfaces
This project investigates the feasibility of adapting heritage instrumentation for a Psyche-like mission through system-level modeling and embedded implementation. A 50 W constrained payload was analyzed using LTspice and hardware prototyping. Results validate operation through prioritized load scheduling and dynamic power allocation. Demo Day Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/89148256070 Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA…
16 – Psyche Economized Power Solution
Our project is about increasing the efficiency of power systems that utilize radioactive fuel sources currently used for deep space exploration. This is done by combining RTG technology with a Stirling engine and an AC generator. The purpose of doing so for the Psyche mission, is to increase the capabilities and overall mission length of…
Future Power Solutions for Exploring Hypothesized Surfaces: Hybrid Energy Storage System
Provide a power solution to explore (16) Psyche. The project focuses on a hybrid energy storage system that couples lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Demo Day Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/rec/share/3exzHmDgok-6kB4HE5NUZvt8OX4Kv9UC_nrg2xRTROSkMaE3ek9Jw4qYYHapE4Oy.5em4q03q-t5qhGb_?startTime=1776747505000 Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA Psyche Mission Advisor Cassie BowmanResearch Associate ProfessorSchool of Earth and Space [email protected]
Sample Acquisition from Hypothesized Surfaces
Develop a functional and cohesive benchtop prototype of a sample acquisition control system, consisting of a custom Power Distribution Board (PDB) and a digital controller interfacing with an emulated drill, environmental sensors, and a simulated 36 V spacecraft power bus. The primary technical focus is on implementing a comprehensive sensing suite which utilizing, temperature, vibration…
Psyche Sample Collection
We have designed a sample collection subsytem whose mission is to collect solid material cores from a variety of environments on the asteroid Psyche. We will present CAD files of the design, electrical planning, and math proofs. Demo Day Zoom link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9874391013 Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA Psyche Mission Advisor Cassie BowmanResearch…
Future Power Solutions for Exploring Hypothesized Surfaces
What are potential power system solutions capable of sustaining future surface exploration missions of the asteroid Psyche? Develop a simulation tool accounting for unique and extreme environmental constraints. Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA Psyche Mission Advisor Cassie BowmanResearch Associate ProfessorSchool of Earth and Space [email protected]
Psyche Energy Management System for an Autonomous Rover
We developed a dual mode power management system combining a Python simulation and Arduino hardware using a shared control algorithm. The system successfully modeled and managed rover power under calculated solar power levels for all parts of the asteroid 16 Psyche’s orbit and latitudinal positions on the surface. The system demonstrates reliable fault handling, adaptive…
Fresnel Lens Concentrator Photovoltaic System for Deep Space Power
This project is a NASA funded deep space mission to 16-Psyche that uses a combination of solar panels and Fresnel lens concentrators to increase the power output of the photovoltaic system. Demo Day Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/6288916641 Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA Psyche Mission Advisor Cassie BowmanResearch Associate ProfessorSchool of Earth and Space…
Robotic Explorer for Hypothesized Surfaces
Team 30 has designed and implemented a modular sensory stack intended for the LEMUR 3 rover to traverse the unique surface of the 16 Psyche asteroid. Demo Day Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82144193587 Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA Psyche Mission Advisor Cassie BowmanResearch Associate ProfessorSchool of Earth and Space [email protected]
Robotic Explorer for Hypothesized Surfaces
Our project focuses on exploring a metal-rich asteroid, sponsored by NASA’s Psyche Mission, with the goal of gaining insight into the composition of Earth’s core. Our solution is a wireless motor controller printed circuit board designed to enable reliable robotic traversal on the Psyche asteroid’s surface. Demo Day Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/rec/share/ODo9zDDGYr1b7BEBCTfZqGSwmyqHKR7ioAGcDTJs8e3x0fK00KmhfXpJYMoBxFeD.-TC-ip0rpFuUFDuX?startTime=1776719089000Zoom passcode: e%DBV&9Y Video Research…
PROSPECT Rover
The Psyche mission seeks to explore the metallic asteroid 16 Psyche, a body thought to be the exposed core of an early planetesimal, in order to improve our understanding of how planetary cores form. This capstone project addresses the difficulty of studying the Psyche asteroid by designing a rover that can reliably operate in the…
Future Power Solutions – 16 Psyche Power Simulator
The objective of our project is to research and create a simulation environment for various solar energy technologies in order to design a power system capable of providing consistent, reliable power to all spacecraft functions for future Psyche missions. Demo Day Zoom link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/87648585806 Video Research poster View the poster Sponsor NASA Psyche Mission Advisor…