NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will be revealing the asteroid sample it brought back to Earth next week. The public will have the opportunity to witness the reveal through a livestream scheduled for 11 AM ET on Wednesday, October 11. The capsule containing rocks and dust collected from the near-Earth asteroid “Bennu” landed at a Department of Defense training site in the Utah desert on September 24. Since then, scientists have been diligently working on their initial analyses of the sample.
OSIRIS-REx successfully grabbed its sample from Bennu in 2020 after spending a year and a half observing the asteroid from a vantage point above. In May 2021, the spacecraft began its journey back towards Earth, culminating in the momentous dropoff of the sample last month. The canister was then transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where it awaits opening. Meanwhile, OSIRIS-REx continues its space exploration mission, now heading towards another asteroid named Apophis, under the new mission name OSIRIS-APEX.
Asteroid Bennu, estimated to be over 4.5 billion years old, holds immense value for scientists as its materials can potentially shed light on the formation of the solar system and the origins of life on Earth. The mission exceeded expectations by capturing more material than anticipated, a pleasant “problem” to have, as stated by Christopher Snead, NASA’s deputy OSIRIS-REx curation lead. The abundance of material has caused the collection process to take longer than initially planned. The livestream event will provide the public with valuable insights into the findings derived from the sample thus far.
As we eagerly await the reveal of the asteroid sample, it is crucial to appreciate the significance of this mission and its potential contributions to our understanding of the universe. Asteroids like Bennu carry remnants of the early solar system, containing pristine materials that have remained relatively unchanged over billions of years. By studying these ancient artifacts, scientists can unravel the mysteries surrounding the formation of planets and the distribution of elements that led to the development of life on Earth.
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Bennu, in particular, has attracted considerable attention due to its carbon-rich composition. Carbonaceous asteroids like Bennu are believed to have played a vital role in delivering organic molecules and water to our planet during its early stages. These molecules are the fundamental building blocks of life as we know it. By examining the asteroid’s sample, scientists hope to gain insights into the origin of life on Earth and potentially discover clues about the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe.
The OSIRIS-REx mission has faced numerous challenges along the way, from navigating the spacecraft to the delicate sampling process. However, the successful return of the capsule containing the precious asteroid materials is a testament to the remarkable achievements of NASA and its partners. The meticulous analyses conducted by scientists will open new avenues of research and contribute to our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
The livestream event on October 11 will provide a unique opportunity for the public to witness the unveiling of the asteroid sample. It allows us to share in the excitement of scientific discovery and appreciate the efforts invested in this groundbreaking mission. The revelations contained within the sample have the potential to reshape our understanding of the universe and ignite further curiosity and exploration.
In conclusion, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will be revealing the asteroid sample it collected from Bennu during a livestream event on October 11. This sample holds immense scientific value, potentially providing insights into the formation of the solar system and the origins of life on Earth. By studying the ancient materials, scientists hope to gain valuable knowledge about our place in the universe and potentially discover clues about extraterrestrial life. The livestream event offers the public a chance to witness the unveiling of this historic sample and be a part of the ever-advancing quest for knowledge and exploration.
