NASA scientists have uncovered intriguing "black dust and debris" within the space capsule that recently returned to Earth carrying the largest asteroid sample ever collected from space. While NASA did not confirm whether these materials definitively originated from the asteroid, the agency expressed awe as the capsule's lid was lifted, referring to it as a "scientific treasure box." The interior of the lid and base contained "dark powder and sand-sized particles."
These findings likely stem from challenges encountered during the collection phase of the mission, issues that NASA ultimately resolved, enabling the secure transfer of the sample from the asteroid to the probe's storage canister. The probe's lid was opened in a tightly sealed chamber at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with scientists in protective gear overseeing the process.
The next eagerly anticipated step for NASA scientists is the analysis of the bulk of the sample retrieved from the asteroid. This task necessitates the intricate disassembly of the probe. A news conference is scheduled for October 11, during which crucial information about the sample's composition will be shared with the public.
The robotic spacecraft OSIRIS-REx was launched in 2016 and obtained its specimen from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that orbits relatively close to Earth every six years. OSIRIS-REx gathered roughly 250 grams (9 ounces) of dust from Bennu's rocky surface. The analysis of this material will contribute significantly to our understanding of solar system formation and Earth's habitability.
Moreover, NASA believes that this sample will enhance our comprehension of the types of asteroids that could potentially pose a threat to Earth, although the likelihood of Bennu colliding with our planet is considered remote.
Approximately 25% of the Bennu sample will be utilized for immediate experiments, with a small portion shared with mission partners in Japan and Canada. The remaining portion will be preserved for future generations of researchers.
The OSIRIS-REx probe completed its remarkable 6.21-billion-kilometer journey, parachuting down in Utah's desert after a fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere.
