Osiris-rex bennu asteroid

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collected samples from asteroid Bennu, a carbon-rich celestial body orbiting near Earth.

About this subject

The OSIRIS-REx mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) was launched by NASA in 2016 to study and collect samples from asteroid Bennu. Bennu is a B-type asteroid, rich in carbon and organic compounds, potentially holding clues about the origin of life on Earth. The spacecraft arrived at the asteroid in 2018 and spent two years mapping its surface before performing the collection.

Bennu is a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) approximately 500 meters in diameter. Its orbit crosses Earth's every six years, and there is a small probability of impact in the 22nd century. The mission also aims to study the Yarkovsky effect, which alters asteroid orbits due to thermal radiation.

In October 2020, OSIRIS-REx executed the Touch-and-Go (TAG) sample collection maneuver. The spacecraft's robotic arm touched Bennu's surface for a few seconds, releasing nitrogen to lift regolith and capturing about 250 grams of material. The sample was stored in a sealed capsule.

The capsule returned to Earth in September 2023, landing in the Utah desert. Samples are being distributed to laboratories worldwide, including Brazil, for analysis that may reveal prebiotic compounds. The mission also paves the way for future asteroid mining and planetary defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is asteroid Bennu?

Bennu is a near-Earth asteroid, rich in carbon, about 500 meters in diameter. It orbits the Sun every 1.2 years and may contain primordial organic molecules.

How did OSIRIS-REx collect the samples?

The spacecraft used the Touch-and-Go (TAG) mechanism, touching the surface for a few seconds and releasing nitrogen gas to lift dust and gravel, which were captured by a collector.

What is the scientific importance of the mission?

The samples from Bennu help understand the formation of the solar system and the origin of organic compounds that may have contributed to the emergence of life on Earth.