Following a remarkable seven-year voyage to the asteroid Bennu and back, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is slated to dispatch a capsule replete with asteroid samples into our atmosphere. If all events transpire without a hitch, the eagerly-awaited metal container will descend via parachute and touch down in the vast Utah desert, where a specialized team stands ready for its retrieval.
Inside this capsule lie particles that are nothing short of priceless. Originating from asteroids like Bennu, these ancient fragments offer a window into our solar system’s nascent stages, dating back 4.5 billion years. By analyzing these specimens, researchers hope to gain profound insights into Earth’s genesis, the emergence of life, and potential threats. Notably, no imminent asteroid threats are currently detected.
The dramatic conclusion of this pioneering mission will transpire in the Department of Defense’s secluded Utah Test and Training Range, with NASA offering a live broadcast to the world. Watch the live broadcast of NASA’s Osiris Rex Bennu mission here:
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