NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is about to complete a historic mission as it prepares to deliver an asteroid sample to Earth. After a 2½-year journey across space, this will mark the first time NASA has collected and returned an asteroid sample. The sample, obtained from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, could offer crucial insights into the formation of our solar system.
On September 24, the spacecraft will drop off the sample in the Utah desert, following in the footsteps of Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission, which previously returned a sample. It is estimated that up to 8.8 ounces of material has been collected. The landing site for the sample will be at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range.
To ensure a successful delivery, the mission team has been diligently rehearsing the retrieval process. However, there is a potential risk of contamination if the sample capsule crash-lands and opens. Therefore, precautions have been taken to avoid any mishaps during the final stages of the mission.
Enthusiasts can witness the momentous event through a live stream that will commence at 10 a.m. ET on September 24. At 10:42 a.m. ET, the capsule containing the sample will enter Earth’s atmosphere. The recovery teams will then retrieve the capsule once it is safe to do so. Subsequently, it will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
On October 11, the eagerly awaited details about the sample will be shared with the public. Following this, the sample will be divided and sent to laboratories around the globe for analysis. Scientists hope that this extensive analysis will provide significant information about the formation and history of our solar system.
This milestone achievement showcases the continuous advancements in space exploration and cements the significance of these missions in unraveling the mysteries of our universe.
Alcohol maven. Incurable pop culture specialist. Communicator. Gamer. Certified explorer.