January 24, 2024 After more than 3.5 months since NASA’s OSIRIS-REx returned with samples from the Bennu asteroid, the space agency has finally released the first high-resolution images of the precious contents. The delay in unveiling the images was attributed to two fasteners holding the sampler lid in place, which were successfully opened on January 10, 2024.
On January 19, NASA presented the eagerly awaited images, showcasing black dust and rocks, some up to around 1 cm (0.4 inch) in size, extracted from the Bennu asteroid. While the samples may appear ordinary, they hold immense scientific value as they are believed to have remained untouched for approximately 4.5 billion years, offering insights into the origins of our Solar System.
The samples were deposited during OSIRIS-REx’s flyby of Earth on September 24. Although the outer capsule opened easily, providing access to 70 grams (2.48 ounces) of asteroid dust, the main TAGSAM head, containing the majority of the sample, remained sealed until January 10.
The team will spend the coming weeks determining the mass of the final sample now accessible. The next steps involve removing a round metal collar visible in the images and transferring the remaining sample from the Touch-and-Go-Sample-Acquisition-Mechanism (TAGSAM) head into pie-wedge sample trays.
Once a comprehensive catalog of Bennu samples is released later in the year, scientists worldwide will have the opportunity to submit requests for research or display of the samples. Significantly, 75 percent of the sample will be preserved for future analysis.
Astronomer Dante Lauretta from the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory expressed the team’s excitement, stating, “Finally having the TAGSAM head open and full access to the returned Bennu samples is a monumental achievement that reflects the unwavering dedication and ingenuity of our team.”
OSIRIS-REx, now named OSIRIS-APEX, is currently en route to another asteroid, the potentially hazardous object Apophis, with a planned rendezvous in 2029.
Read Now:TMC Set to Go Solo in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee Rejects Congress Seat Demands
