NASA Releases Stunning Time-Lapse of Mars Captured by Psyche Spacecraft

• July 20, 2026

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently released an impressive time-lapse video of Mars, captured by its Psyche spacecraft during a close orbital flyby in May. The footage provides a unique and captivating view of the Red Planet as the spacecraft utilized Mars’ gravity to gain momentum for its journey toward its primary destination in the asteroid belt near Jupiter.

Psyche’s Mars Flyby and Mission Progress

Launched to explore a metallic asteroid named Psyche located in the asteroid belt, NASA’s spacecraft executed a gravity assist maneuver around Mars in order to increase its velocity for the long trip ahead. During this maneuver, the spacecraft orbited Mars closely, allowing its cameras to capture detailed images of the planet’s surface over time.

The time-lapse video, assembled from these images taken during the flyby, reveals dynamic and breathtaking views of Mars, showcasing atmospheric patterns and surface features from a vantage point rarely witnessed. It serves both scientific interests and public engagement by visually illustrating the spacecraft’s trajectory and proximity to the planet.

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is part of an ambitious mission to study the metallic core of an asteroid, providing insights into planetary formation and the building blocks of rocky planets like Earth. This flyby marks a significant milestone in the probe’s transit through the solar system, setting the pace for the vital observations and experiments planned once it arrives at its destination.

The time-lapse video released by NASA demonstrates the agency’s ongoing commitment to sharing the wonders of space exploration in real time, providing both scientists and the public with an intimate look at planetary neighbors as missions advance through space.

NASA shares a mesmerizing time-lapse video of Mars taken by the Psyche spacecraft during its gravity assist flyby.