NASA's Psyche spacecraft flew past Mars on May 15, using the planet's gravity to gain speed and adjust its course. The maneuver brought it closer to Mars than either of the planet's moons.
The spacecraft passed within 2,800 miles of Mars at a speed of 12,300 mph during its closest approach around 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. This distance was nearer than the orbit of Phobos, which circles Mars from 3,700 miles away. The flyby was a planned gravity assist designed to conserve the xenon gas used by the solar-electric ion thruster system.