NASA's Osiris-Rex Sample Return Mission: The Journey Back to Earth

TLDRNASA's Osiris-Rex spacecraft, after years of exploration, is returning to Earth with a sample from the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft will jettison its sample return capsule, which will enter the Earth's atmosphere and land in the desert of Utah. This mission marks NASA's first asteroid sample return and provides valuable insights into the ancient solar system.

Key insights

🚀Osiris-Rex is NASA's first asteroid sample return mission, aiming to explore and study the asteroid Bennu.

🌌The spacecraft has spent nearly two years orbiting Bennu, mapping its surface and collecting valuable data.

💫On October 20, 2020, Osiris-Rex successfully touched down on Bennu's surface, collecting a sample of dust and pebbles.

📡After bidding farewell to Bennu in May 2021, Osiris-Rex is now on its way back to Earth, carrying the sample in its return capsule.

🌍The return capsule will enter the Earth's atmosphere and land in the Utah desert, where it will be carefully recovered and transported to a clean room for analysis.

Q&A

What is the main objective of Osiris-Rex?

—The main objective of Osiris-Rex is to collect a sample from the asteroid Bennu and bring it back to Earth for detailed analysis.

How long did Osiris-Rex spend orbiting Bennu?

—Osiris-Rex spent nearly two years orbiting Bennu, mapping its surface and studying its features.

When did Osiris-Rex collect the sample from Bennu?

—Osiris-Rex successfully collected a sample from Bennu on October 20, 2020.

Where will the return capsule land?

—The return capsule will land in the Utah desert, at a designated landing site within the Utah test and training range.

What will happen to the sample after it lands?

—The sample will be carefully recovered from the return capsule and transported to a clean room for analysis and scientific study.

Timestamped Summary

00:06NASA's Osiris-Rex spacecraft is returning to Earth after years of exploration.

01:09Osiris-Rex is NASA's first asteroid sample return mission, focusing on studying the asteroid Bennu.

03:22On October 20, 2020, Osiris-Rex successfully collected a sample from Bennu's surface.

05:14After bidding farewell to Bennu, Osiris-Rex is now on its way back to Earth with the sample.

06:48The return capsule will enter the Earth's atmosphere and land in the Utah desert for recovery.

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