Universe Planets and Moons ID: 12369

To Bennu And Back

Story by Nancy Neal-Jones Released on September 15, 2016

NASA's first asteroid sampling mission launched into space on September 8, 2016, beginning a journey that could revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is designed to rendezvous with, study, and return a sample of the asteroid Bennu to Earth. Asteroids like Bennu are remnants from the formation of our solar system more than 4.5 billion years ago. Scientists suspect that asteroids may have been a source of the water and organic molecules for the early Earth and other planetary bodies—and an uncontaminated asteroid sample from a known source would enable precise analyses. In 2018, OSIRIS-REx will approach Bennu and begin an intricate dance with the asteroid, mapping and studying Bennu in preparation for sample collection. In 2020, the spacecraft will perform a daring maneuver in which its 11-foot arm will reach out and perform a five-second "high-five" to stir up surface material. At least 2 ounces of small rocks and dust will be collected and placed in a sample return container that will be returned to Earth for study in 2023. Watch the video to learn more.

Source Material

For More Information

NASA.gov

Story Credits

Visualizers/Animators:
Walt Feimer (HTSI)
Lisa Poje (USRA)
Adriana Manrique Gutierrez (USRA)
Kel Elkins (USRA)

Video Editor:
Katrina Jackson (USRA)

Narrator:
Katrina Jackson (USRA)

Lead Producer:
Katrina Jackson (USRA)

Lead Writer:
Nancy Neal-Jones (NASA/GSFC)

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12369

Keywords:
SVS >> App
NASA Science >> Planets and Moons
NASA Science >> Universe