NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission to Asteroid Bennu - Science@NASA
Jan 30, 2025 · OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid. It returned to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023, to drop off a capsule with material from asteroid Bennu. After dropping off the sample capsule through Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft was renamed OSIRIS-APEX and sent on a new mission to explore asteroid Apophis in 2029.
NASA’s Bennu Asteroid Sample Contains Carbon, Water
Oct 11, 2023 · “The OSIRIS-REx sample is the biggest carbon-rich asteroid sample ever delivered to Earth and will help scientists investigate the origins of life on our own planet for generations to come,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
NASA’s Asteroid Bennu Sample Reveals Mix of Life’s Ingredients
Jan 29, 2025 · Studies of rock and dust from asteroid Bennu delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security–Regolith Explorer) spacecraft have revealed molecules that, on our planet, are key to life, as well as a history of saltwater that could have served as the “broth” for these ...
Surprising Phosphate Finding in NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample
Jun 26, 2024 · Scientists have eagerly awaited the opportunity to dig into the 4.3-ounce (121.6-gram) pristine asteroid Bennu sample collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Regolith Explorer) mission since it was delivered to Earth last fall.
Bennu - NASA Science
3 days ago · Bennu is a relatively small asteroid that passes close to Earth about every six years. Bennu was the target of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx, the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid and deliver it to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023.
NASA’s First Asteroid Sample Has Landed, Now Secure in Clean …
Sep 24, 2023 · After years of anticipation and hard work by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security – Regolith Explorer) team, a capsule of rocks and dust collected from asteroid Bennu finally is on Earth.
Ten Things to Know About Bennu - NASA
Oct 16, 2020 · Bennu is the ancient Egyptian deity linked with the Sun, creation and rebirth — Puzio also noted that Bennu is the living symbol of Osiris. The myth of Bennu suits the asteroid itself, given that it is a primitive object that dates back to the creation of the Solar System.
OSIRIS-REx In Depth - Science@NASA
Nov 2, 2024 · During the flyby, OSIRIS-REx imaged Bennu for 5.9 hours, covering more than a full rotation of the asteroid. It flew within 2.1 miles (3.5 kilometers) of Bennu’s surface – the closest since the TAG sample collection event.
NASA OSIRIS-REx Frequently Asked Questions - Science@NASA
Jan 31, 2025 · What is OSIRIS-REx? NASA’s OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission to deliver a sample of an asteroid to Earth. The spacecraft launched on Sept. 8, 2016, arriving at Bennu on Dec. 3, 2018. On Oct. 20, 2020, OSIRIS-REx collected 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams) of rocks and dust from the surface of Bennu. The spacecraft began its cruise back to Earth ...
OSIRIS-REx Arrives at Bennu - NASA
Dec 3, 2018 · This picture shows the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft’s view of Bennu during the final phase of its journey to the asteroid. From Aug. 17 through Nov. 27 the spacecraft’s PolyCam camera imaged Bennu almost daily as the spacecraft traveled 1.4 million miles (2.2 million km) toward the asteroid.