Osiris-rex bennu asteroid

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission collected samples from asteroid Bennu, a carbon-rich body that may hold clues about the origin of life on Earth.

About this subject

NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) spacecraft was launched in September 2016 to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. Bennu is a B-type (carbonaceous) asteroid about 500 meters in diameter, rich in carbon and organic compounds similar to primitive meteorites.

The mission arrived at Bennu in December 2018 and spent over two years mapping the asteroid in detail. In October 2020, the spacecraft performed a Touch-And-Go (TAG) maneuver, briefly touching the surface to collect at least 60 grams of regolith. The sample was sealed in a return capsule.

Bennu is a pristine leftover from the early solar system, dating back 4.5 billion years. Its carbon-rich composition includes water-bearing minerals and organic molecules, offering clues about how life's building blocks may have been delivered to Earth. Studying Bennu also helps assess impact risks; it has a small chance of colliding with Earth in the 22nd century.

The sample return capsule landed in the Utah desert on September 24, 2023. Scientists worldwide are analyzing the material, with initial results confirming carbon and water. This is the largest asteroid sample ever returned to Earth, surpassing Japan's Hayabusa missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does OSIRIS-REx stand for?

OSIRIS-REx stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer, a NASA mission to collect samples from asteroid Bennu.

Why is Bennu important for science?

Bennu is a primitive carbonaceous asteroid containing organic materials and water, offering clues about the formation of the solar system and the origin of life on Earth.

When did the Bennu samples arrive on Earth?

The sample capsule landed in the Utah desert, USA, on September 24, 2023.