One of the very interesting things about this large rock (It has a mean diameter of approximately 220 kilometers), aside from its potentially mind boggling value in metals and mineral, is that it is not very dense. It is highly reflective and by all indications it has a tremendous amount of metal on it’s surface. The initial view was that it could be a planetary core left over from a huge impact that created the asteroid belt. But recent measurements indicate it is not solid metal all the way through.

Some of the latest ideas about Psyche:
It is a Porous Structure: Recent studies suggest 16 Psyche has high porosity (around 35% empty space), making it less dense than solid iron.

It is Mixed Composition: Instead of pure metal, it’s likely a mix of metal (82.5%), low-iron pyroxene (7%), and carbonaceous chondrite (10.5%), possibly from impacts.

It is a Rubble Pile: Its lower density points towards it being a collection of debris (a rubble pile) rather than a solid, intact core.

And then there’s my own expert theory on Psyche’s low density based on my many decades of studying science fiction: Psyche is almost entirely metals on the surface but has a vast hollow chamber in its center!

Slap a Bussard Ramjet on it and we have ourselves a pre-built spaceship the size of Sri Lanka!

The Psyche mission arrives in 2029 to begin exploration of this big beautiful rock. Just remember I said it here first.

P.s., yeah I know this post belongs on the Science Fiction board but wtf.