US EditionNASA mission to return with 'pristine' samples from asteroid 'which could one day hit Earth'
- After a seven-year quest, a Nasa spacecraft is set to return to Earth and drop off at least a cupful of rubble collected from the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx, gathered rocks and dust from Bennu's surface in 2020, marking the first time any country has fetched pieces of asteroids, which are time capsules from the dawn of our solar system.
- The mission has been filled with challenges, including a pogo stick-style touchdown and a jammed lid that caused some of the asteroid samples to spill into space. Scientists are anticipating receiving about half a pound of pebbles and dust, a significant amount compared to previous asteroid missions.
- The samples will be released from the spacecraft's sample capsule and brought back to Earth for examination. This marks a major milestone in space exploration, as Nasa continues to expand its knowledge of our solar system.
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NASA spacecraft delivering biggest sample yet from an asteroid
This illustration provided by NASA depicts the Osiris-Rex spacecraft at the asteroid Bennu. On Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, the spacecraft will fly by Earth and drop off what is expected to be at least a cupful of rubble it grabbed from the asteroid Bennu, closing out a seven-year quest. | Conceptual Image Lab, Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA via AP File Planet Earth is about to receive a special delivery — the biggest sample yet from an asteroid. A…
NASA spacecraft delivering biggest sample yet from an asteroid
Planet Earth is about to receive the biggest sample yet from an asteroid. A NASA spacecraft will fly by Earth on Sunday and drop off pebbles and dust collected from the asteroid Bennu to close out a seven-year journey.
NASA spacecraft delivering biggest sample yet from an asteroid
Planet Earth is about to receive the biggest sample yet from an asteroid. A NASA spacecraft will fly by Earth on Sunday and drop off pebbles and dust collected from the asteroid Bennu to close out a seven-year journey.
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