OSIRIS-REx Slings Orbital Web Around Asteroid to Capture Sample _ 4K

The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) mission, led by NASA, accomplished a remarkable feat by slinging an orbital web around the asteroid it was studying to capture a sample. This achievement marked a significant milestone in space exploration and scientific research.

Here's a detailed description of the event:

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was launched with the goal of studying and collecting a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. After a two-year journey through space, the spacecraft arrived at its target destination, Bennu. Upon arrival, the mission team faced the challenge of maneuvering the spacecraft in close proximity to the asteroid's surface to collect a sample of regolith (surface material) for return to Earth.

To achieve this, OSIRIS-REx executed a complex orbital maneuver known as a "slingshot" or "touch-and-go" operation. This operation involved several critical steps:

Orbital Mapping: Before attempting the sample collection, OSIRIS-REx spent an extended period mapping the asteroid's surface in detail. This mapping was crucial for identifying a safe and scientifically valuable sample collection site.

Reconnaissance: The mission team conducted a thorough reconnaissance of Bennu's surface to select a location free of large boulders and hazardous terrain. This involved analyzing high-resolution images to choose the best spot for the sample collection attempt.

Sample Collection Descent: In preparation for the sample collection, OSIRIS-REx descended towards the asteroid's surface. The spacecraft extended its robotic arm, known as TAGSAM (Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism), which would be used to collect the sample.

Touch-and-Go: OSIRIS-REx executed a precise "touch-and-go" maneuver, gently making contact with the asteroid's surface for just a few seconds. During this brief contact, the TAGSAM collected a sample of regolith.

Sample Stowage: After the successful touch-and-go operation, the collected sample was stowed securely inside a sample return capsule aboard the spacecraft.

Orbiting the Asteroid: Following the sample collection, OSIRIS-REx embarked on a series of orbits around Bennu, creating an orbital web around the asteroid. This allowed the spacecraft to continue studying Bennu and perform additional scientific observations.

The sample return capsule, containing the precious asteroid material, was eventually sent on its journey back to Earth, where scientists eagerly awaited its arrival for analysis. The successful capture of this sample marked a significant achievement in our understanding of asteroids and the early solar system, providing valuable insights into the origins of our celestial neighborhood and potential resources for future space exploration endeavors.