NASA’s mission that will return an asteroid sample launches today!
The mission, OSIRIS-REx, will travel to a near-Earth asteroid called Bennu. Upon arrival, the spacecraft will thoroughly map the asteroid and potential sampling sites. It will document properties of the surface material from where the sample will be collected, measure the deviation of Bennu’s orbit due to non-gravitational forces and compare the observations made at the asteroid to ground-based observations.
Artist concept of OSIRIS-REx approaching Bennu. Credit: NASA
The prime contractor for NASA’s mission is a founding member of the Coalition, Lockheed Martin. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was designed and built by the company along with the system for sampling and the capsule that will return the sample. Additionally, the spacecraft will be operated by Lockheed Martin throughout the entire mission.
How will the asteroid sample be collected?
A device will make contact with Bennu’s surface for a few seconds, and emit a burst of nitrogen gas. The burst will push the surface material into a collection chamber. This device is called TAGSAM, or the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism, and was developed by Lockheed Martin. TAGSAM will acquire the loose surface material known as regolith.
TAGSAM. Credit: Lockheed Martin Corporation
At a minimum, 60 grams of material will be collected. Hundreds of tests of the device have demonstrated its success in acquiring materials, but what’s more, many of the tests acquired over twice the required amount.
How did life start on Earth? How were planets formed? OSIRIS-REx will provide insights.
The mission will launch on top of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. ULA is a joint venture that is owned by Lockheed Martin and The Boeing Company.
OSIRIS-REx rollout to the Pad 41 for the upcoming launch. Credit: NASA
Launch coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. EDT with liftoff targeted for 7:05 p.m. – watch it live!
Learn more about OSIRIS-REx at NASA.gov.