NASA’s Osiris-Rex mission brings sample from Asteroid Bennu: Why is it significant?

Image credit: NASA

NASA’s space capsule has returned to Earth carrying the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid.

The robotic spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx, was launched into space seven years ago and collected the sample from asteroid Bennu in October 2020.

Q: Why is the return of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission significant?

The return of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission is highly significant for several reasons:

Q: What did the OSIRIS-REx mission accomplish?

The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected a capsule of rocks and dust from asteroid Bennu, marking the first American asteroid sample return in history. The capsule landed on Earth, specifically in the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range near Salt Lake City.

Q: Why is the nitrogen purge important for the sample collected from asteroid Bennu?

The nitrogen purge is crucial to ensure the purity of the collected sample. By continuously flowing nitrogen into the sample container inside the capsule, it prevents earthly contaminants from entering, preserving the sample for scientific analysis.

Q: How will the samples from Bennu benefit scientific research?

The returned samples from Bennu will aid scientists in understanding various aspects of planet formation, the origin of organics, and the presence of water, all of which contributed to life on Earth. Additionally, studying potentially hazardous asteroids like Bennu can enhance our preparedness for future asteroid encounters.

Q: What are the future plans for the Bennu sample?

The Bennu sample, estimated to be around 8.8 ounces or 250 grams, will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. There, curation scientists will analyze the sample, create an inventory of its contents, and distribute pieces to scientists worldwide for further research.

Q: What was the timeline of the OSIRIS-REx mission?

The OSIRIS-REx mission, which began on September 8, 2016, involved various phases, including launching the spacecraft, reaching Bennu on December 3, 2018, searching for a safe sample-collection site, collecting the sample on October 20, 2020, and initiating the return trip to Earth on May 10, 2021.

Q: How fast did the sample capsule return to Earth?

The sample capsule traveled at a speed of 27,650 mph (44,500 kph) before piercing Earth’s atmosphere. Two parachutes successfully deployed, slowing the capsule to a gentle 11 mph (18 kph) at touchdown.

Q: What are the next steps for the OSIRIS-REx mission?

The collected sample will undergo thorough analysis, allowing scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of our solar system. This milestone represents the beginning of extensive research opportunities.

Q: Who were the key contributors to the OSIRIS-REx mission?

NASA Goddard provided overall mission management and systems engineering, while the University of Arizona, Tucson, led the science team. Lockheed Martin Space built the spacecraft, and Goddard and KinetX Aerospace managed spacecraft navigation. International collaborations included contributions from CSA (the Canadian Space Agency) and JAXA (the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

Q: What role does OSIRIS-REx play in NASA’s missions and goals?

OSIRIS-REx is part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program and aligns with the agency’s goals of advancing scientific understanding and exploring celestial bodies. This mission represents NASA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and discovery.

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