Are we there yet? Ask in 2029.

Some robots need a more powerful motor. Some need a very patient calendar.

NASA reports that Psyche began near-continuous electric propulsion on 28 September, following its Mars gravity assist. The spacecraft is heading for the asteroid Psyche, with arrival planned for summer 2029.

NASA reports near-continuous electric propulsion beginning on 28 September. Solar-powered Hall thrusters accelerate xenon ions, supplying a small force for a long time.

Its solar-powered Hall thrusters accelerate xenon ions to produce a small, sustained push. NASA compares the maximum force to the weight of an AA battery resting in your hand. Keep applying that gentle shove through space and the journey starts to look rather different.

The plan is to use propulsion for nearly 90 percent of the remaining cruise, with pauses for necessary operations. The robot is already travelling, but the asteroid science is still ahead. There is no dramatic accelerator pedal here. Just engineering, sunlight, and a remarkably long commitment to leaving.

The mission plans propulsion for nearly 90 percent of the remaining cruise, with necessary pauses. Summer 2029 is the planned arrival; the October update is not a report of arrival at the asteroid.

Invented spacecraft voice: “Estimated arrival: 2029. Estimated next ‘are we there yet?’: immediate. Recommend that all passengers begin a reasonably substantial hobby.”