M
Mike Wehner
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- NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid probe just nailed its second trial run for a sample collection attempt in October.
- The goal is to obtain samples from the surface of the asteroid Bennu and then return them to Earth.
- The spacecraft has been in orbit around Bennu for many months and has sent back some great photos already.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid probe has been cruising around the space rock known as Bennu for many months now. The spacecraft has already made some stunning observations of the asteroid's surface and taught it handlers a lot about the rock that it's currently orbiting. That's all great, but the riskiest and most important part of its mission is only just beginning.
NASA wants its high-tech probe to do a brief touch-and-go sample collection of material from the surface of the asteroid. It's been practicing this maneuver over the past several months, bringing the probe closer and closer to the surface before returning it to a safe orbital distance. Now, with its most recent "rehearsal" completed, the spacecraft is just about ready to make its fateful dive and attempt to pull off the dangerous stunt.
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Can NASA’s asteroid probe grab a sample without being destroyed? originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 13 Aug 2020 at 21:14:37 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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