Nature often humbles us with its majestic displays of power and its mysterious ways. Now, scientists have another amazing spectacle to look forward to as an asteroid sample from the asteroid Bennu is due to land on earth in 2023.
The sample will be collected by the NASA robotic spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx, which has been orbiting the asteroid Bennu since 2018. The spacecraft is designed to collect a sample of the carbon-rich material on Bennu’s surface and return it to Earth. Scientists believe that the geochemical analysis of Bennu could contain important information about the origins of life in the universe.
When OSIRIS-REx lands on the asteroid, it will deploy an arm to collect the sample. Once collected, the OSIRIS-REx will stow the sample in a special capsule. The capsule will then detach from the spacecraft and begin its return trip to Earth. Using a combination of natural forces, like solar radiation pressure, and tiny thrusters, the capsule will slow itself down and eventually make its way into Earth’s atmosphere.
Once the capsule reaches Earth’s atmosphere, it will heat up and become visible for observers on the ground, due to the effects of atmospheric re-entry. At this point, the capsule will deploy three parachutes, allowing for a gentle descent. While populated areas will be avoided, NASA and other groups will be watching the re-entry to ensure the capsule’s safe delivery.
Eventually, the capsule will splash down into the Sea of Japan, where a recovery team will be waiting. The team will then collect the capsule and bring it back to a laboratory where scientists can extract the sample for further study.
The landing of the OSIRIS-REx capsule is incredibly exciting and could potentially provide incredibly insightful scientific information about the origins of life and the universe around us. Scientists around the world are anxiously awaiting the results and the opportunity to explore this sample from a distant asteroid for the first time.
