Short Wave Osiris-REx and the quest to understand the solar system's origin
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Sep 27, 2023 
Nell Greenfieldboyce, an NPR science correspondent, delves into NASA's groundbreaking OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected samples from the asteroid Bennu. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of the mission, full of close calls and anticipation. The discussion highlights how these ancient space rocks could unlock secrets about Earth's origins and potential future asteroid threats. Nell also touches on meticulous precautions taken during sample retrieval and hints at exciting upcoming missions that promise to expand our cosmic knowledge.
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Lauretta's Anxiety
- Dante Lauretta, head of OSIRIS-REx, anxiously awaited the sample capsule's landing.
- He feared a last-minute failure after years of work, but was relieved when parachutes deployed.
Asteroids as Time Capsules
- Asteroids, remnants from the early solar system, are like time capsules older than Earth.
- Pristine asteroid samples offer insights into early solar system chemistry and life's origins.
Bennu's Surprising Surface
- Bennu, the target asteroid, was unexpectedly rocky, requiring complex navigation for sample collection.
- The spacecraft's arm plunged deeper than expected into loose rubble.