NASA Faces Challenges in Opening Sample of Asteroid Bennu
Late September marked a significant milestone for NASA as they successfully returned a sample of asteroid Bennu to Earth. However, the opening of the sample has proven to be a daunting task, requiring immense patience and precision.
Trouble arose when NASA encountered a problem while attempting to open the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) to access a portion of the sample. The snag emerged as two fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed using the currently approved tools for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. To maintain the integrity of the samples and prevent any contamination, all tools must fit inside this specially designed glovebox.
This unforeseen obstacle has urged the NASA team to search for solutions that would enable them to access the hidden contents trapped within the TAGSAM. With the challenge at hand, the team is determined to find alternative tools that can fit inside the glovebox, or innovate new ones that meet the necessary requirements.
Although the team managed to retrieve 70.3 grams (2.48 ounces) of rocks and dust from the sample through a mylar flap, there remains additional material that cannot be accessed due to the problematic fasteners. This poses a renewed challenge for NASA, as they strive to perfect their technique in removing these fasteners while simultaneously processing the samples that have already been collected.
In the coming weeks, NASA is determined to develop a novel technique for removing the stubborn fasteners, ensuring that they can extract the remaining material from the asteroid sample. The scientists and engineers at NASA are committed to overcoming the hurdles that lie in their path as they seek to expand our understanding of the universe and its celestial bodies.
As the team tirelessly works towards unlocking these hidden treasures, they remain focused and determined to unravel the mysteries held within the sample of asteroid Bennu. Stay tuned for further updates on this captivating scientific endeavor.
