NASA Scientists Successfully Remove Stubborn Screws to Reveal Ancient Asteroid Sample
In a triumphant moment for NASA scientists, the last two stubborn screws on the lid of the container holding samples from the OSIRIS-REx mission have finally been unscrewed. These screws had been preventing researchers from accessing the rocks and dust of the 4.6-billion-year-old asteroid Bennu. Despite months of effort, the screws refused to budge, posing a challenge for even the smartest gearheads. However, NASA scientists persevered and developed special tools to overcome this obstacle while ensuring the integrity of the asteroid sample.
When the container returned to Earth in late 2023, scientists had managed to remove 33 of the 35 fasteners on the lid. However, the last two screws proved to be uncooperative. The situation was further complicated by the fact that the sample container was inside a glovebox, protecting it from Earth’s atmosphere. This meant that NASA had to find tools that were approved for use in this delicate environment.
NASA’s researchers had to think outside the box and design tools that could work within the constraints of the glovebox. They developed multi-part tools that combined elements of a vice or clamp with a screwdriver, allowing them to gain purchase on the fasteners and undo them. These tools were made from a specific grade of surgical, non-magnetic stainless steel, which is the hardest metal approved for use in the pristine curation gloveboxes.
Dr. Nicole Lunning, OSIRIS-REx curator at Johnson, highlighted the challenges faced by the team: “In addition to the design challenge of being limited to curation-approved materials to protect the scientific value of the asteroid sample, these new tools also needed to function within the tightly-confined space of the glovebox, limiting their height, weight, and potential arc movement.”
Extensive testing and development were conducted on the tools before they were used to remove the fasteners. The team at Johnson tested the tools and removal procedures in a rehearsal lab, gradually increasing the assembly torque values after each successful test. This ensured that the new tools could achieve the necessary torque while minimizing the risk of damage to the TAGSAM head or contamination of the sample.
The moment of victory came when the two fasteners were finally undone. The NASA scientists couldn’t contain their excitement and took to Twitter to share their success with the world. Now that the container is open, the Bennu samples will undergo analysis before being cataloged and hermetically sealed for preservation. These samples are expected to contain some of the oldest materials formed in the solar system.
This achievement by NASA scientists showcases their dedication and ingenuity in overcoming challenges in space exploration. It highlights the meticulous planning and testing required to ensure the success of missions like OSIRIS-REx. The unlocking of the ancient asteroid sample opens up new possibilities for scientific discoveries and a deeper understanding of our solar system’s origins.