NASA successfully retrieves dusty samples from the asteroid Bennu, known as the "most dangerous rock in the Solar System," as it has a small chance of colliding with Earth in the next 300 years. The samples were collected by the Osiris-Rex spacecraft in 2020 and have now been safely landed in the West Desert of Utah. This achievement will provide valuable insights into the formation of the Solar System 4.6 bn years ago and potentially shed light on the origins of life on Earth.
Previously, Daryo stated that if the Osiris-Rex mission succeeds, it would mark the third asteroid sample, and the largest by far, ever returned to Earth for analysis. Therefore, the landing of the capsule was a cause for celebration as the Osiris-Rex team witnessed its successful touchdown ahead of schedule. The car-tire-sized container entered the atmosphere over the western US at an astonishing speed of over 12 km/s (27,000 mph). It descended with the help of a heat shield and parachutes, landing gently on restricted ground.
Access to Precious Cargo and Analysis Plans
Scientists are thrilled to have access to the precious cargo, estimated to weigh around 250 grams (9 ounces). While this might seem relatively small, it is more than sufficient for the high-resolution tests that NASA intends to conduct. The ability to analyze tiny particles at a nanoscale allows for detailed examinations. Maintaining cleanliness is crucial, as any potential carbon compounds in the sample that may have played a role in the origin of life should not be contaminated by present-day Earth chemistry.
Efforts were made to preserve the sample's integrity by quickly transporting it to a temporary clean room at the nearby Dugway Army base. The ultimate goal was to minimize any potential mixing with Earth's environment. The capsule was disassembled in a lab, with the heatshield and back cover removed, while the sample remained securely stored inside an inner canister.
Analysis at NASA's Johnson Space Center
The next step involves transporting the samples to a dedicated facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where the analysis will commence. A team of experts, including UK scientist Ashley King, will conduct the initial assessment. Expectations include encountering soft, fragile rocky materials with clay and silicate minerals containing water. The presence of carbon and carbonate minerals, as well as chondrules and calcium-aluminium inclusions, is also anticipated. These inclusions represent the earliest solid materials formed in our Solar System.
Press Conference and Future Research
NASA plans to hold a press conference on October 11 to provide initial findings from the returned samples. Small specimens will be distributed to research teams worldwide, with the hope of reporting significant results across various studies within the next two years. Notably, a substantial portion of the sample will be preserved for future generations and advancements in laboratory techniques and instrumentation that are yet to be developed.
Lori Glaze, NASA's director of planetary science, emphasizes the importance of preserving the sample for future research, allowing unborn generations to work in laboratories with technologies beyond our current imagination.
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