NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully delivered celestial material from an asteroid to the Utah desert, which will soon find its home in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. This material, dating back to the birth of the solar system, was collected from the asteroid Bennu by the spacecraft three years ago before moving on to investigate another asteroid.
One significant aspect of this celestial material is that it poses no threat of containing space microbes that could infect humans. NASA assured the public that due to the harsh radiation environment in space, there is no chance of any living organisms being present within the sample.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Bennu material this fall. Two samples of the material will be received, with one going to the museum’s Our Unique Planet research initiative. The research aims to answer fundamental questions about the origins of life, the ocean, and the continents on Earth. The second sample will be displayed in the museum’s Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, with an unveiling date to be announced.
During the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft’s approach to Bennu, its robotic arm impacted the asteroid’s surface, collecting loose debris. It then withdrew and began its journey back to Earth. While it is unknown how much material remains within the sample, mission leaders estimate it to be around 8.8 ounces.
The significance of studying Bennu lies in its status as a relic from the birth of the solar system, dating back approximately 4.5 billion years. Scientists are keen to examine its composition and learn more about its potential impact on Earth in the distant future.
The collected Bennu sample was taken to a specialized laboratory at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where experts will carefully analyze and inventory the material. So far, black dust and debris have been discovered on part of the canister.
NASA plans to divide the sample among more than 200 scientists worldwide for further investigation. A percentage of the sample will also be preserved for future generations to study and analyze. Excitement surrounding this celestial material continues to grow, and NASA plans to unveil the sample on October 11th at 11 a.m.