OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Collection Recap and First Images

TL;DR

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully touches down on the surface of the asteroid and collects a sample, exceeding expectations.

Transcript

>> HELLO, EVERYONE. I'M FROM THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION. I AM HERE AT LOCK HEATED MARTIN. >> WELL, THANK YOU. IT'S AN AMAZING DAY. I JUST SAW THE FIRST IMAGES OF OSIRIS-REx TOUCHING DOWN AND IT WAS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. WHAT AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT BY AMAZING PEOPLE AT THIS TIME. WE THINK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES EVER ...

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Key Insights

• 🦖 OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected a sample from the asteroid's surface, exceeding expectations.
• 🎭 The surface of the asteroid was found to be rough and challenging, but the spacecraft performed exceptionally well.
• 💁 The collected sample will provide valuable insights into the formation of the solar system and could even have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life.

Questions & Answers

Q: How long did OSIRIS-REx make contact with the asteroid's surface during the sample collection?

OSIRIS-REx made contact with the surface for about six seconds, with the actual sample collection taking place for about five seconds.

Q: What insights could be gained from the debris and particles observed in the images?

The images show that the surface material is crushable and the particles range in size from centimeters to several centimeters. Further analysis will provide more information about the composition and diversity of the debris.

Q: What will happen to the collected sample, and when can scientists expect to study it?

The collected sample will be stowed in November and the spacecraft will begin its journey back to Earth in early 2021. Scientists expect to study the sample in laboratories upon its return to Earth in December 2023.

Q: How will the success of OSIRIS-REx inspire future missions and scientists?

The success of OSIRIS-REx serves as an inspiration for future scientists and engineers, showcasing the incredible achievements that can be accomplished through collaboration and a common vision. The allocation of the sample for future study ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to make new discoveries and advancements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• OSIRIS-REx mission, a collaboration between NASA, the University of Arizona, and Lockheed Martin, achieved a historic milestone by landing on the asteroid's surface and collecting a sample.

• The mission encountered unexpected challenges, such as rough terrain and small landing area but still outperformed expectations.

• The team is excited about the successful touchdown and the potential discoveries that can be made about the solar system and the formation of Earth.