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Osiris-REx and the quest to understand the solar system's origin
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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Quick takeaways
- The Osiris-Rex mission successfully collected rocks from the asteroid Bennu, providing valuable insights into the chemistry and origins of asteroids and the early solar system.
- The study of asteroid samples is crucial for understanding the role of asteroids in delivering essential ingredients for life on Earth and gaining a better understanding of the formation of planets.
Deep dives
NASA's Mission to Collect Rocks from an Asteroid
NASA's Osiris-Rex mission successfully collected rocks from the asteroid Bennu. The mission aims to study the chemistry and origins of asteroids, which are considered to be relics of the early solar system. The surface of Bennu turned out to be more rocky and jagged than anticipated, posing challenges for the spacecraft to land and collect samples. Despite a moment of panic when some rocks escaped into space, the mission managed to collect approximately eight ounces of rock, which will be studied in a specialized lab at NASA's Johnson Space Center. This is one of the largest samples ever collected from space, rivaling the moon rocks brought back by the Apollo missions.
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