Osiris-rex bennu asteroid

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collected samples from asteroid Bennu in 2020, uncovering secrets about the formation of the Solar System.

About this subject

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) was launched on September 8, 2016 to study the near-Earth carbon-rich asteroid Bennu. After a two-year journey, the spacecraft arrived at Bennu in December 2018 and spent over two years mapping its surface, measuring its composition, and selecting a safe sampling site. On October 20, 2020, the TAGSAM (Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) arm touched the asteroid's surface for a few seconds, firing nitrogen to stir up regolith and capture more than 60 grams of material. The samples were sealed in a capsule that returned to Earth on September 24, 2023, landing in the Utah desert. Preliminary analysis confirmed the presence of water and organic compounds, supporting the theory that asteroids like Bennu may have delivered the building blocks of life to early Earth. Bennu, classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, is about 500 meters in diameter and orbits the Sun every 1.2 years. The mission also provided crucial data for future planetary defense strategies against asteroid impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the asteroid Bennu?

Bennu is a near-Earth carbon-rich asteroid about 500 meters in diameter. It orbits the Sun every 1.2 years and is classified as potentially hazardous due to its close approach to Earth.

How did OSIRIS-REx collect samples from Bennu?

The spacecraft used its TAGSAM robotic arm to briefly touch the asteroid's surface. During contact, nitrogen jets stirred up dust and small rocks, which were captured in a collector at the arm's tip.

What were the main results of the OSIRIS-REx mission?

The mission returned over 60 grams of material from Bennu to Earth. Initial analyses confirmed the presence of water and organic compounds, offering clues about the origin of life's building blocks in the Solar System.