From which asteroid did NASA bring back samples?
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has brought back samples of rocks and dust collected from asteroid Bennu. The capsule containing the samples landed at the Utah Test and Training Range, Salt Lake City, USA.
The samples from the asteroid will help scientists better understand planet formation, the origin of water, and the substances that gave rise to life on Earth. They will also help scientists know more about asteroids that can harm Earth.
What is the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft?
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is the first US spacecraft to collect asteroid samples. It was launched in 2016 and reached asteroid Bennu in 2018. After reaching, it looked around very carefully to find a safe spot for sample collection.
In 2020, OSIRIS-REx used its robot arm to collect the samples quickly. They named this move Touch-And-Go (TAG). After that, the spacecraft started returning to Earth.
After the spacecraft returned to Earth, it released the capsule containing the samples, which landed in Utah. However, the spacecraft itself didn't land on Earth. It will examine another asteroid called Apophis, which will come close to Earth in 2029. So, the new name given to the spacecraft is OSIRIS-APEX (OSIRIS-APophis EXplorer).
Why was asteroid Bennu selected for sample collection?
Bennu is closer to Earth than most other asteroids that orbit the Sun. Bennu is also super old. Many scientists think that mineral pieces within Bennu may be older than the solar system. So, it can help scientists learn more about the universe's history. The samples can also help understand the role of asteroids in delivering life-forming substances to Earth.
Asteroids like Bennu are important for any future deep-space exploration. Rocket fuel can be produced if scientists can find out how to extract hydrogen and oxygen from the water trapped in an asteroid's minerals. So, asteroids can act as fuel stations for future deep-space exploration.
These are some reasons why Bennu was selected for sample collection.
