Planets and Moons ID: 20323

OSIRIS-REx Sampling Area to Scale: Animations

Animations by Adriana Manrique Gutierrez Released on September 9, 2020

OSIRIS-REx is NASA’s first asteroid sample return mission. Its main science goal is to collect a sample of near-Earth asteroid Bennu for return to Earth in 2023. These animations show a size comparison of the planned sample collection area before arriving at Bennu (orange), and after arriving at Bennu (blue). The original mission plan envisioned a sample site with a diameter of 164 feet (50 m). However, the sampling region for site Nightingale is approximately 26 ft (8 m) in diameter. The area safe enough for the spacecraft to touch is the width of a few parking spaces.

Used Elsewhere In

For More Information

asteroidmission.org

NASA.gov

Animation Credits

Adriana Manrique Gutierrez (USRA): Lead Animator
Michael Lentz (USRA): Art Director
Dan Gallagher (USRA): Producer
Heather Roper (The University of Arizona): Graphic Designer
Jonathan North (USRA): Animator
Kel Elkins (USRA): Data Visualizer
Erin Morton (The University of Arizona): Support
Brittany Enos (The University of Arizona): Support
Aaron E. Lepsch (ADNET Systems, Inc.): Technical Support
Michael Moreau (NASA/GSFC): Support

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard/CI Lab/University of Arizona