Watch as NASA samples an asteroid for the first time

[Mike Wehner]

• NASA is finally ready to command its OSIRIS-REx asteroid probe to grab a sample of the space rock Bennu.
• The maneuver will be performed this evening, and NASA will live stream the operation.
• Because of the distance from Earth, live streaming from the probe itself won't be possible.

It's been many months since NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid probe arrived at the massive space rock known as Bennu. In that time, the spacecraft has learned a lot about Bennu, and asteroids like it, but one very important goal remains: Collecting a sample of Bennu so that it can be brought back to Earth.

Now, after repeated trial runs and constant work on perfecting the maneuver that OSIRIS-REx will perform to collect the sample, NASA is ready to issue the command and let the spacecraft carry out the dangerous task. The best part? We'll get live coverage of the event from NASA... well, sort of.

Continue reading...

Today's Top Deals

1. The greatest smart home gadget you’ve never heard of sold out on Prime Day – now it’s back for $34
2. Grocery stores are bracing for another massive shopping rush – 5 things to stock up on now
3. These USA-made face masks work just as well as 3M N95 masks for only $1.80 each

Trending Right Now:

1. These are the most hated states in America, and #1 is not a surprise
2. A dangerous new coronavirus complication was discovered – and it never goes away if you get it
3. The CDC just gave everyone an excuse to skip Thanksgiving

Watch as NASA samples an asteroid for the first time originally appeared on BGR.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2020 at 00:17:06 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Via BRG - Boy Genius Report