Overview

• NASA released images taken July 20 and 23 showing Earth and the Moon as points of light from about 180 million miles (290 million kilometers) away against stars in the constellation Aries.
• The twin multispectral cameras captured multiple long exposures up to 10 seconds to calibrate sensitivity to reflected sunlight like that expected from asteroid Psyche.
• Engineers also tested the magnetometer and the gamma‑ray and neutron spectrometer in late July during routine six‑month checkouts, with the project manager reporting nominal performance.
• The spacecraft remains on a spiral trajectory for a Mars gravity‑assist flyby in May 2026 followed by arrival at asteroid Psyche in 2029.
• Earlier calibration targets included Jupiter and Mars, and the team may next observe Saturn or Vesta as it continues cruise operations following resolution of an April xenon valve issue.