NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Mission Launch
September 8th, 2016
September 8th, 2016
How Long Ago?
8 years, 6 months, 6 days ago
Location
Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Dante Lauretta
- Lindsay McComas
- Rich Burns
Links & References
Tags
NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Mission Launch
NASA launched the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to explore asteroid 101955 Bennu. The mission aims to collect samples from the asteroid, helping to understand the early solar system's formation. OSIRIS-REx will rendezvous with Bennu and return the samples to Earth in 2023. This ambitious project demonstrates NASA's commitment to advancing space exploration and planetary science.
OSIRIS-REx aims to collect samples from Bennu.
The mission seeks to unveil the solar system's history.
Samples are expected to return to Earth in 2023.
Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
What Happened?
NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) mission was launched to study the near-Earth asteroid 101955 Bennu. The spacecraft was designed to travel over two billion miles to collect material from Bennu's surface before returning the samples to Earth in 2023. This mission represents a significant leap in our understanding of asteroids, which are considered remnants of the solar system's formation over four billion years ago. By studying the samples from Bennu, scientists hope to gain insights into the fundamental processes that shaped the planets as well as the ingredients for life that may have existed in the early solar system.
The launch took place aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. OSIRIS-REx is equipped with advanced instruments to analyze Bennu's surface and its texture, composition, and mineralogy. After a two-year cruise, the spacecraft will begin a detailed survey of the asteroid's characteristics and then proceed to collect samples using a device called TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism). Following this, OSIRIS-REx will return to Earth, providing astronomers and planetary scientists with valuable data to further explore our cosmic origins.
Why Does it Matter?
The OSIRIS-REx mission is significant for furthering our knowledge of asteroid composition and helping scientists understand the early solar system's history. It marks a milestone in sample return missions, sharing knowledge gained from returned samples similar to previous missions like the Apollo lunar samples. The findings from Bennu could also offer insights into the origins of water and organic materials on Earth, foundational elements that are vital for life.
Discover More Historic Events from September 8th
France Triumphs at Opening of Rugby World Cup
The 2023 Rugby World Cup commenced in France with an impressive opening ceremony at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Directed by Jean Dujardin, Olivier Ferracci, and Nora Matthey, the ceremony set the stage for an electrifying opening match between host nation France and New Zealand. In an exhilarating encounter, France secured a decisive victory, defeating New Zealand 27 to 13, marking an unforgettable start to the tournament.
Continue ReadingDevastating Earthquake Rocks Morocco's Marrakesh
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Morocco, leading to extensive destruction in Marrakesh and surrounding regions. The quake resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and significant damage to historical structures, including iconic sites in Marrakesh. The tremor was felt widely across the nation and prompted emergency responses. Its impacts drew international attention, showcasing the vulnerability of even well-known cities to natural disasters.
Continue ReadingQueen Elizabeth II dies, Charles III ascends throne
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after a remarkable 70-year reign. Her death marked the end of the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and upon her passing, her son, Charles, Prince of Wales, immediately ascended the throne as King Charles III. This transition was a significant moment in the British monarchy, impacting not only the royal family but also the nation and the Commonwealth.
Continue ReadingSDF Launches Deir ez-Zor Campaign Against IS
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared the start of the Deir ez-Zor campaign, targeting Islamic State (IS) strongholds in northeastern Syria. This campaign aimed to eliminate IS presence in key areas north and east of the Euphrates River, a crucial conflict zone. The SDF's initiative was instrumental in ongoing efforts to destabilize the IS caliphate and secure strategic territories for local governance.
Continue ReadingRussia's Ilyushin Il-76 Aid Mission to U.S.
Two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft from EMERCOM landed at Little Rock Air Force Base, delivering disaster aid to assist in relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. This mission marked a significant moment in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly as it was the first time Russia had flown a humanitarian mission to North America. The aircraft carried supplies and personnel to support the American relief efforts, showcasing international cooperation in times of disaster.
Continue ReadingGenesis Spacecraft Crash-Lands After Parachute Failure
NASA's Genesis spacecraft, launched to collect solar wind samples, crash-landed in the Utah desert when its parachute failed to deploy. The spacecraft, which had successfully gathered particles from the sun’s corona, was expected to land gently for retrieval by scientists. The failure occurred during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a hard landing that scattered its contents. This incident highlighted the challenges faced in retrieving materials from space and the importance of testing spacecraft systems.
Continue Reading