Osiris-REx probe comes home with samples

Astronomers are constantly studying our universe to understand its mechanisms. And to understand the formation of the solar system, the ideal is to have samples of the first rocks present to study its composition. It is for this purpose that in 2016 NASA launched the Osiris-REx probe in the direction of Bénou.

If NASA chose this asteroid in particular it is because it would have changed very little since the formation of the solar system and that its orbit intersects that of the Earth, which facilitates the journey. Now that his mission is over, the probe has taken its way back with its cargo that it will deliver in September 2023 if all goes well.

Observation and sampling

The mission took place in several stages. After a 2-year journey, the probe went into orbit around the asteroid in order to observe it in detail. Composed of several spectrometers and an altimeter, Osiris-REx was able to carry out a complete mapping of Bénou both geographically and chemically.

While the data collected in this way provides valuable information, NASA carried out a perilous maneuver in October 2020. The mission’s climax was a low-altitude overflight to allow for the collection of samples from the asteroid to the using an arm three meters long. The sampling system therefore hit the surface in order to collect the regolith. and store it in an airtight capsule.

To the great surprise of scientists, the sampling system has sunk completely into the asteroid, suggesting that its density is much lower than expected by NASA teams. After a slight setback involving the closure of the sample capsule, the probe returned to orbit to observe the crater left by the impact.

Feedback and analysis

The engineers proceeded to ignite the engines of the probe in order to bring it out of Bénou’s orbit and put it back on the way home. All that remains is to travel the 2.3 billion kilometers that separate it from the Earth. to deliver the 60 grams of collected samples.

Arrival near our planet, the probe will eject the capsule which will begin its descent before braking using a parachute system to land in the Utah desert in September 2023. Once recovered, scientists will be able to use all the instruments at their disposal to try to unravel the mysteries of the formation of our solar system.

However, the agency, aware of the current technological limits, only plan to use 25% of the samples taken to allow future generations to complete these analyzes with instruments that do not yet exist.

Source : Theverge

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