Summary:
- The article discusses how NASA budget cuts could potentially threaten the European Space Agency's (ESA) Psyche mission, which is planned to explore a unique metal-rich asteroid.
- The Psyche mission is a joint collaboration between NASA and ESA, with NASA providing the launch vehicle and some of the scientific instruments. However, recent budget cuts at NASA have raised concerns about the agency's ability to fulfill its commitments to the mission.
- The article explains that if NASA is unable to provide the necessary support, it could jeopardize the entire Psyche mission, which is scheduled to launch in 2022 and reach the asteroid Psyche in 2026. This would be a significant setback for our understanding of the formation and composition of our solar system.