NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has captured a striking new image of Mars, showing the planet as a thin glowing crescent floating in deep space. The picture was taken just days before the spacecraft’s close flyby of Mars on May 15, 2026.
The spacecraft, launched in 2023, is on a long journey to study a rare metal-rich asteroid named Psyche, which scientists believe could be the exposed core of an early planet. To get there more efficiently, it is using Mars’ gravity to adjust its path and gain speed.
During the upcoming flyby, Psyche will pass about 4,500 kilometres above Mars, moving at more than 19,000 km/h. The planet’s gravity will act like a slingshot, helping send the spacecraft further into the solar system toward its final destination in the asteroid belt.
Before the close approach, the spacecraft turned its camera toward Mars from millions of kilometres away. From that distance, only a thin curve of sunlight is visible, creating a dramatic crescent shape. Fine dust in the Martian atmosphere adds a soft glow around the edge.
NASA says the flyby is not just about navigation. It is also a chance to test instruments and collect useful data about Mars. Engineers will use this opportunity to fine-tune the spacecraft’s systems before it continues its long journey.
The Psyche mission blends science with smart space travel techniques, using planetary flybys to save fuel while still capturing valuable scientific observations along the way.
The newly released image offers a rare and beautiful look at Mars, while also marking an important step in a mission that could help scientists better understand how planets form.
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