OSIRIS-REx

Definition

OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) is a NASA mission designed to study and retrieve samples from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. Launched in September 2016, this spacecraft aims to provide insights into the formation of the solar system and the origins of water and organic materials on Earth, highlighting its role in space exploration and research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. OSIRIS-REx successfully arrived at Bennu in December 2018 and conducted detailed mapping and analysis of the asteroid's surface and composition.
2. The spacecraft is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments to analyze Bennu's surface materials and assess their potential for containing organic compounds.
3. In October 2020, OSIRIS-REx performed a touch-and-go (TAG) maneuver to collect samples from Bennu's surface, gathering around 60 grams of material.
4. The return capsule with the collected samples is expected to land on Earth in September 2023, providing valuable data for scientists.
5. This mission is part of NASA's larger planetary defense strategy by studying asteroids that could potentially pose a threat to Earth.

Review Questions

• What are the primary scientific objectives of the OSIRIS-REx mission?
  • The primary scientific objectives of the OSIRIS-REx mission include studying the composition and structure of the asteroid Bennu to gain insights into the solar system's formation. Additionally, it aims to understand the presence of water and organic materials on Bennu, which could shed light on how these elements contributed to life on Earth. The mission also seeks to evaluate asteroids as resources for future space exploration.
• How does OSIRIS-REx contribute to our understanding of planetary defense?
  • OSIRIS-REx plays a crucial role in planetary defense by studying Bennu, an asteroid classified as potentially hazardous due to its orbit that brings it close to Earth. By analyzing its physical and chemical properties, scientists can better understand its behavior and characteristics, which is essential for assessing any potential impact risk. Moreover, the mission aids in developing strategies for mitigating threats from asteroids by providing data on their structure and composition.
• Evaluate the significance of the sample return aspect of OSIRIS-REx for advancing our knowledge in astrobiology.
  • The sample return aspect of OSIRIS-REx is significant for advancing knowledge in astrobiology because it allows scientists to analyze pristine materials directly from an ancient celestial body. This analysis can reveal critical information about the presence of organic molecules and water-bearing minerals that may have played a role in the origins of life on Earth. By understanding these components' conditions and distributions, researchers can develop theories about life's emergence and search for biosignatures elsewhere in our solar system.

Related terms

Bennu: A near-Earth asteroid that OSIRIS-REx was sent to explore, known for its carbon-rich composition which may hold clues to the early solar system.

Sample Return Mission: A type of space mission that involves collecting samples from celestial bodies and returning them to Earth for analysis.

Astrobiology: The study of the origin, evolution, and potential existence of life in the universe, closely linked to the findings expected from OSIRIS-REx's analysis of Bennu.