The preliminary observations of extraterrestrial material are highly encouraging. Bennu, it appears, was indeed the ideal choice for NASA’s groundbreaking asteroid sample-return mission, OSIRIS-REx. Pieces of the 1,650-foot-wide (500 meters) Bennu brought back to Earth last month. NASA shared the first glimpse of the sample. On October 11 during a live webcast event. Which also presented the initial analyses conducted on this off-Earth material.
The early scientific findings are quite encouraging. Revealing that Bennu is abundant in both water and carbon-containing compounds. As affirmed by mission team members.
“The OSIRIS-REx sample represents the largest carbon-rich asteroid sample ever brought to Earth. And it will be instrumental in helping scientists explore the origins of life on our own planet for generations to come,” stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
He further emphasized, “Nearly everything we do at NASA is driven by the pursuit of answers about our origins and our place in the universe. Missions like OSIRIS-REx not only enhance our understanding of potentially. Earth-threatening asteroids but also provide us with insights into the mysteries of the cosmos. While the sample has safely returned to Earth, there is still a wealth of scientific discovery ahead of us, unlike anything we’ve witnessed before.”
OSIRIS-REx embarked on its mission in September 2016 and reached Bennu in December 2018. Over the following 22 months. The probe meticulously studied the celestial body from orbit, all in pursuit of identifying the optimal location to descend and collect a sample.
The actual sampling operation took place in October 2020 and was not without its share of suspense. It was reveal that Bennu’s surface had an unexpectedly porous nature, causing OSIRIS-REx to penetrate much deeper than initially anticipated. NASA’s groundbreaking asteroid
However, despite the challenges, the probe managed to retrieve a substantial amount of material. So much so that its collection mechanism became obstructed, permitting some of the asteroid’s soil and pebbles to drift into space. Nevertheless, OSIRIS-REx successfully preserved the majority of the Bennu specimens in its sample container. In May 2021, the probe commenced its journey back to Earth.