NASA Spacecraft Is Delivering the Biggest Sample Yet From an Asteroid
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is on its way back to Earth with the biggest sample yet from an asteroid. The spacecraft is scheduled to release the sample capsule on September 25, 2023, and it is expected to land in the Utah desert on September 24, 2023.
The sample capsule contains about 2 ounces of rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu. This is much more than the teaspoon or so of material that was brought back from other asteroids by Japanese spacecraft in the past.
Scientists are eager to study the Bennu sample because it could provide new insights into the formation of asteroids and the early solar system. The sample could also contain organic molecules, which are the building blocks of life.
Here are some entertaining ways to celebrate the arrival of the OSIRIS-REx sample capsule:
- Throw a “Sample Party” and invite all of your friends who are interested in science and space exploration.
- Watch the live landing of the sample capsule on NASA TV.
- Write a song or poem about the OSIRIS-REx mission.
- Bake a cake or other dessert in the shape of an asteroid.
- Start a blog or podcast about the OSIRIS-REx mission and your thoughts on the findings from the sample.
But seriously, this is a very exciting moment for science and space exploration. The OSIRIS-REx mission is the first to return a sample from an asteroid to Earth, and it could revolutionise our understanding of these ancient objects