NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Prepares to Return First-Ever U.S. Asteroid Sample to Earth

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission is preparing for a momentous event in September – the return of the first-ever U.S. asteroid sample to Earth. On Wednesday, a mockup of the mission’s sample capsule was dropped from an aircraft in Utah’s West Desert. The successful test drop was the final rehearsal before the actual asteroid sample lands on September 24th. The capsule will be carrying 8.8 ounces of rocky material harvested from the asteroid Bennu, which will provide valuable insights into the formation of our solar system and the origins of life on Earth. NASA will be broadcasting the capsule’s landing live on September 24th for space enthusiasts to witness. After landing, the capsule will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for analysis. While the mission carries immense scientific potential, there are concerns about potential biohazards, sample containment, impact risks, and the allocation of resources for such missions. However, NASA and its partners have taken rigorous precautions and risk assessments to ensure maximum scientific return while minimizing potential risks. The OSIRIS-REx mission not only advances our understanding of asteroids but also paves the way for future missions and the exploration of celestial bodies.