Osiris-rex bennu asteroid

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission collected samples from asteroid Bennu, one of the most primitive bodies in the Solar System.

About this subject

The OSIRIS-REx mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) was launched by NASA in September 2016 to study and collect samples from asteroid Bennu. After a two-year journey, the spacecraft entered orbit around Bennu in December 2018, conducting a detailed mapping of the asteroid's surface. Bennu is a carbonaceous B-type asteroid, rich in carbon and organic materials, considered a fossil of the early Solar System, estimated to be 4.5 billion years old.

Bennu is approximately 500 meters in diameter and belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, which cross Earth's orbit. Its scientific importance lies in containing compounds that may have been precursors to life on our planet. Studies indicate that Bennu has hydrated minerals and complex organic molecules, such as amino acids and nucleobases. Additionally, its orbit is monitored because it is classified as potentially hazardous, with a small chance of impact in the late 22nd century.

In October 2020, the spacecraft performed the sample collection maneuver using the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) instrument. Upon touching the surface, a jet of nitrogen gas stirred up the regolith, and particles were captured. The operation was successful, collecting about 250 grams of material, far more than expected. After the event, the team secured the sample and began preparations for return to Earth.

The return capsule landed in the Utah desert, United States, on September 24, 2023. Since then, the samples are being analyzed by laboratories worldwide, including Brazilian institutions. The OSIRIS-REx mission is a milestone in space exploration, being the first American mission to collect samples from an asteroid. After delivery, the spacecraft was renamed OSIRIS-APEX and is now heading to asteroid Apophis, with arrival expected in 2029.

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 study and collect samples from asteroid Bennu.

Why is asteroid Bennu so important to science?

Bennu is a primitive carbon-rich asteroid that may contain organic molecules and water, offering clues about the origin of life and the formation of the Solar System.

Have the Bennu samples been analyzed yet?

Yes, the capsule containing the samples returned to Earth in September 2023. Since then, the samples are being distributed to laboratories worldwide for detailed research.