The first U.S. spacecraft destined to touch an asteroid
In short: NASA is preparing to launch OSIRIS-REx, a pioneering mission to rendezvous with and sample the asteroid Bennu. This briefing explains why capturing pieces of this celestial body is critical for understanding our own origins.
Launching on September 8 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, OSIRIS-REx will become the first American spacecraft to study and return a sample from an asteroid. The mission focuses on Bennu, providing a unique window into the early solar system.
By analyzing these samples, scientists aim to identify the sources of water and organic molecules on Earth. Additionally, the mission helps assess the hazards and potential resources present in near-Earth space.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: NASA TV Briefing Previews Launch of Asteroid Bound Spacecraft
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