Asteroid Sample in the US
Seven years after its launch into space, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft completed a flyby of Earth on Sunday. Its mission was to deliver a pristine sample collected from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, marking NASA’s first return of an asteroid sample from space.
The OSIRIS-REx Mission The OSIRIS-REx mission, which stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer, began in 2016 when the spacecraft was launched. It arrived at Bennu in 2018 and successfully collected a sample of approximately 8.8 ounces of asteroid rocks and soil in 2020. In May 2021, it commenced its return journey to Earth.
Related Video: Asteroid Sample in the US
Dramatic Return to Earth The spacecraft released the sample capsule from a distance of 63,000 miles above Earth’s surface. It entered Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of about 27,650 miles per hour and deployed parachutes to ensure a gentle touchdown at 11 miles per hour. The sample landed in the Defense Department’s Utah Test and Training Range.
Post-Landing Assessment Following the landing, recovery and research teams arrived at the landing site via helicopters to assess the capsule for any damage. Fortunately, the capsule remained intact, and thorough checks confirmed its safety.
Preserving Pristine Samples Scientists collected additional samples from the landing site, including air, dust, and dirt particles, to ensure the integrity of the asteroid samples. Maintaining pristine conditions is crucial for accurate analysis.
Continuing the Sample’s Journey The sample, carried in a cargo net by a helicopter, will be transported to a temporary clean room near the landing site. Here, a nitrogen flow will be used to prevent Earth’s atmosphere from contaminating the sample canister, and the larger parts of the capsule will be removed.
Asteroid Sample in the US: Next Steps The sample canister will then be prepared for transport via a C-17 aircraft to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Scientists expect to open the canister and examine the sample for the first time on Tuesday.
Asteroid Sample in the US: Unlocking the Secrets of Our Solar System Scientists are eager to study the asteroid rocks and soil over the next two years. The samples will be divided and sent to laboratories worldwide, including partners at the Canadian Space Agency and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. About 70% of the sample will be preserved for future generations with advanced technology.
Anticipated Discoveries While initial details about the sample will be shared on October 11, scientists will conduct more in-depth analyses over the coming years. These asteroid samples could reveal vital information about the early solar system’s formation and the delivery of elements like water to Earth.
Asteroid Sample in the US: Mitigating Potential Threats Understanding asteroids like Bennu is crucial, as some may pose a threat of colliding with Earth in the future. By studying their composition and orbits, scientists can predict potential close approaches and develop strategies to deflect these celestial objects.
This mission represents a significant step in unraveling the mysteries of our solar system and protecting our planet from potential asteroid impacts.
