Osiris-Rex: NASA's capsule returns to Earth on Sunday with asteroid sample, here is what we know

When NASA's space capsule Osiris-Rex touches down Earth on Sunday with a speed of 15 times of a bullet, it will have dust grabbed from asteroid Bennu. Once the capsule lands safely on Earth, it will be taken to the Johnson Space Center in Texas, US. A dedicated cleanroom has been built to analyze the samples. A team of experts is awaiting Osiris-Rex there and they will begin the study immediately afterward.

Osiris-Rex probe begins in 2016

National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched the Osiris-Rex probe in 2016. It took two years to reach the asteroid and another two years to map the celestial body before the mission team could confidently identify a location on the space rock's surface to scoop up a "soil" sample.


The basic thinking behind this project is that many of the key components of the Earth were actually delivered to our planet early in its history in a rain of asteroids, many of them perhaps like Bennu.

Osiris-Rex collects dust sample

Finally, Osiris-Rex lowered itself down to the asteroid on October 20, 2020. The initial plan was to hit the surface, give out a blast of nitrogen gas to kick up gravel and dust and capture that dust. But when the operation was carried out, a crater was created when nitrogen gas was blasted and the material flew in all directions. However, the sample was collected.

Bennu contains water?

NASA scientists believe that Bennu probably contains about 10% water by its weight. The researchers will study if the ratio of hydrogen in water is the same as that of water found on Earth. Similarly, Bennu contains about 10% Carbon by weight. This will be the most important aspect of the study as Carbon is the base of all living organisms.

NASA: Most dangerous asteroid

NASA regards Bennu as the most dangerous asteroid in the Solar System. It has the highest probability of impacting Earth of any known asteroid.

FAQs:

Q1. When did NASA begin the Bennu probe?
A1. NASA launched the space capsule Osiris-Rex in 2016. It took two years to reach the asteroid and another two years to map it so that a safe landing place could be found on Bennu. Finally, Osiris-Rex lowered itself down to the asteroid on October 20, 2020.

Q2. Does Bennu contain water and Carbon?
A2. NASA believes that asteroid Bennu contains 10 water and 10% Carbon by its weight. The scientists will study if the ratio of hydrogen is the same as the water found on Earth. Carbon is the basis of all living organisms, so NASA will also study the dust of Bennu from this angle.