NASA Explorers Season 6 Episode 2 Bennus Surprises

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission was actively exploring the asteroid Bennu. The mission's primary goal was to collect a sample from the surface of Bennu and return it to Earth for analysis. The spacecraft arrived at Bennu in December 2018 and began its detailed survey and examination of the asteroid.

One of the surprises encountered during the OSIRIS-REx mission was the discovery of particle plumes erupting from the surface of Bennu. Scientists observed several instances where small particles were ejected into space from the asteroid. This phenomenon was unexpected, and researchers were intrigued by the challenge of understanding the mechanisms behind these particle plumes.

The sample collection process, known as Touch-and-Go (TAG), took place in October 2020. The spacecraft briefly touched the surface of Bennu, and its sampling head made contact with the asteroid, collecting material. However, in December 2020, it was reported that the sample collection might have been more successful than anticipated, with the sample head potentially holding more material than the mission's initial design allowed. This unexpected bounty raised questions about the sample stowage and handling procedures.

It's important to note that developments in space missions can occur, and new information may have emerged since my last update in January 2022. I recommend checking the latest news and NASA's official mission updates for the most recent information on the OSIRIS-REx mission and its findings regarding Bennu.