NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft is making history as it attempts to bring an asteroid sample back to Earth. After traveling an astounding 4.4 billion miles over the past seven years, the spacecraft has finally reached its destination, the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. In October 2020, the spacecraft successfully collected gravel from the surface of Bennu.
Now, the team behind the mission is preparing for the next crucial step: bringing the asteroid sample back to Earth. The plan involves dropping a capsule 63,000 miles above our planet, with a specific landing target of 250 square miles in a high mountain desert in Utah. This daring feat requires precise calculations and meticulous planning to ensure a successful homecoming.
If all goes according to plan, this will be the first-ever U.S. mission to return an asteroid sample. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated as it opens up new possibilities for scientific exploration and understanding. The purpose of this mission is to study the composition of asteroids, shedding light on the origins of life and the evolution of our solar system.
Bennu, the chosen asteroid for this mission, is of particular interest due to its carbon-rich nature. Additionally, scientists have identified a slight chance of Bennu potentially colliding with Earth in the next century. By studying the sample collected from Bennu, researchers hope to gain valuable insights into how asteroids form and evolve, as well as develop strategies to mitigate potential future threats.
Excitement is building as the anticipated return date is nearing. On September 24, the sample will make its way back to Earth inside a specially designed capsule. The landing is expected to take place within the military’s Utah Test and Training Range. Once on the ground, the capsule will be transported to a state-of-the-art clean room at Dugway Proving Ground for thorough analysis.
To ensure a safe and accurate retrieval, the recovery team will employ various techniques. Parachutes will be used to slow down the capsule’s descent, allowing for a gentle landing. Radar and cameras will play a crucial role in determining the precise location of the capsule, ensuring its swift recovery.
For space enthusiasts and curious minds alike, NASA will provide live coverage of the asteroid sample’s return. The exciting event will be broadcasted on NASA’s website and YouTube, allowing viewers from around the world to witness this groundbreaking moment. As we eagerly await the touchdown of the OSIRIS-Rex capsule, it’s worth appreciating the remarkable teamwork, dedication, and scientific advancements that have made this historic mission possible.
