Preliminary studies of the asteroid Bennu, which is approximately 4.5 billion years old and was recently collected in space by NASA and brought back to Earth, reveal significant amounts of carbon and water. These findings, presented by NASA from its Johnson Space Center in Houston, suggest the possibility of encountering the fundamental building blocks of life on Earth within this asteroid. This initial assessment is a part of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security – Regolith Explorer) mission.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson noted, “The OSIRIS-REx sample is the largest carbon-rich asteroid sample ever retrieved on Earth, and it will be invaluable for exploring the origins of life on our planet for generations to come. NASA’s missions, like OSIRIS-REx, aim to enhance our comprehension of potentially Earth-threatening asteroids while providing us with insights into the cosmos. While the sample has returned to Earth, there is still much groundbreaking science to be done.”
Further research is necessary to comprehend the nature of the carbon compounds detected, but this initial discovery holds promise for future investigations of the asteroid sample. The information contained in these rocks and dust will be examined for years to come, offering insights into the formation of our solar system, the possible seeding of precursor materials for life on Earth, and the precautions needed to avert asteroid impacts on our planet.
During the sample collection, the OSIRIS-REx mission aimed to gather 60 grams of asteroid material. At NASA Johnson, a team of experts spent ten days carefully dismantling the sample return hardware in order to access the bulk sample. When they opened the science canister lid, they found a surplus of asteroid material covering the collector head, canister lid, and base, which temporarily delayed the sample collection process.
Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA Johnson, stated, “Our labs were prepared for whatever Bennu had in store for us. Scientists and engineers have worked together for years to develop specialized gloveboxes and tools to maintain the pristine condition of the asteroid material and curate the samples, ensuring that current and future researchers can study this precious cosmic gift.”
Within the initial two weeks, scientists conducted “quick-look” analyses of the initial material, using techniques like scanning electron microscopy, infrared measurements, X-ray diffraction, and chemical element analysis. X-ray computed tomography produced a 3D computer model of one of the particles, revealing its diverse interior. These early examinations provided evidence of a significant presence of carbon and water in the sample.
Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx, stated, “As we delve into the ancient secrets preserved within the dust and rocks of asteroid Bennu, we are unlocking a time capsule that offers us profound insights into the origins of our solar system. The abundance of carbon-rich material and water-bearing clay minerals are just the beginning. These discoveries, made possible through years of dedicated collaboration and cutting-edge science, bring us closer to unraveling the mysteries of our cosmic heritage.”
Over the next two years, the mission’s science team will continue to characterize the samples and conduct the analyses necessary to fulfill the mission’s scientific objectives. NASA will preserve at least 70% of the sample at Johnson for further research by scientists worldwide, including future generations of researchers. Over 200 scientists from around the world, including NASA partners JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency), will explore the regolith’s properties as part of the OSIRIS-REx science program. Additionally, samples will be provided for public display at institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Space Center Houston, and the University of Arizona in the near future.
The OSIRIS-REx mission is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, which oversees mission management, systems engineering, safety, and mission assurance. Dante Lauretta leads the science team and mission’s science observation planning and data processing. The spacecraft was constructed by Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, and they also provided flight operations and capsule recovery services. Goddard and KinetX Aerospace handled the navigation of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, while curation, including the processing of the sample upon its return to Earth, is taking place at NASA Johnson.
This mission is the third in NASA’s New Frontiers Program and is managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
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