OSIRIS-REx has Finally Caught up with Asteroid Bennu. Let the Analysis and Sample Collection Commence!

By Evan Gough December 3, 2018
OSIRIS-REx has Finally Caught up with Asteroid Bennu. Let the Analysis and Sample Collection Commence!

Why Did NASA Send OSIRIS-REx to Bennu?

How Will OSIRIS-REx Return a Sample to Earth?

  • OSIRIS-REx will slowly approach Bennu, at a speed of only 0.2 meters per second.

  • The spacecraft will land on the asteroid within 25 meters of its selected landing spot

  • The cameras will begin recording the sampling site and its surroundings.

  • The sampling arm will contact the surface of Bennu for five seconds.

  • It will release a blast of liquid nitrogen which will stir up dust.

  • The dust will be captured in the sampler head.

  • The sampler head is stored in the Sample-Return Capsule (SRC) and OSIRIS-REx will return to Earth.

  • The SRC will separate from the spacecraft and enter Earth's atmosphere, to be collected at the Utah Test and Training Range.

    • Sources:

  • NASA Press Release: OSIRIS-REx Arrives at Bennu

  • NASA Feature: Why Bennu? 10 Reasons

  • NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission home page: OSIRIS-REx Overview

  • Wikipedia Entry: OSIRIS-REx

  • Wikipedia Entry: 101955 Bennu

  • NASA page: Bennu

    • Evan Gough

    Evan Gough

    Evan Gough is a science-loving guy with no formal education who loves Earth, forests, hiking, and heavy music. He's guided by Carl Sagan's quote: "Understanding is a kind of ecstasy."