NASA Science Live: Ask Your Questions About OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Delivery to Earth | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

NASA's OSIRIS-REx successfully collected a sample from the Bennu asteroid and experts are excited to study it for insights into the origin of life and the formation of the solar system.

Key Insights

• 🤑 Bennu was chosen for study because of its carbon-rich composition and its potential threat as a potentially hazardous asteroid to Earth.
• 🎭 The sample return capsule performed as expected, successfully protecting the sample during re-entry and landing.
• 😤 The team aims to investigate if Bennu contains water and organic materials, which would offer valuable insights into the formation of life.
• ㊙️ Analyzing the sample will involve various scientific techniques and collaboration among researchers to uncover the asteroid's secrets.
• 🦖 The legacy of the OSIRIS-REx mission will inspire future generations and contribute to our understanding of the solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.

Transcript

WELCOME TO THE 50th EPISODE OF NASA SCIENCE LIVE. WE ARE SO THANKFUL YOU COULD JOIN US FOR THIS MILESTONE AND TAKE PARTN ANOTH OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO INTERACT WITH NASA PERTS AND HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN REALTIME. I'M MEGAN CRUZ. TODAY I'M EXCITED TO CHAT WITH YOU ABOUT SUNDAY'S HISTORIC EVENT, NASA'S OSIRIS-RE THE FIRST MISSION TO DELIVE... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main objectives of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission?

The mission aims to study the Bennu asteroid to gain insights into the origin of life on Earth, the formation of the solar system, and potential threats from asteroids in the future.

Q: How will scientists analyze the sample from Bennu?

Scientists will use a variety of analytical techniques to study the asteroid sample, including measuring the abundance of elements, analyzing the isotopes, and examining the mineral composition. This multi-disciplinary approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of the sample's composition.

Q: What is the significance of studying the Bennu asteroid?

Bennu is believed to be rich in carbon, a crucial element for life on Earth. By studying this asteroid, scientists hope to gain insights into the conditions that led to the formation of life and understand our own planet's origins.

Q: How will the sample be preserved and shared with the scientific community?

The samples will be carefully preserved and stored at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Researchers from around the world will be able to request samples for analysis in their laboratories, ensuring that new discoveries can be made from this historic mission.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully landed on the Utah desert, bringing back a sample of the Bennu asteroid.

• The sample collection process involved intricate maneuvers and precise calculations to ensure a successful landing.

• The team is excited to study the sample to learn about the formation of the solar system, the presence of water, and the possibility of finding organic materials.