The OSIRIS-REx program is a mission led by NASA with a primary objective of studying a near-Earth asteroid called Bennu. The name of the program is an abbreviation for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer. The mission was launched in September 2016, and its spacecraft reached the asteroid in December 2018. The OSIRIS-REx program has several scientific goals, including understanding the origins of our solar system, studying the composition of Bennu, and assessing the potential risk posed by the asteroid to Earth. In addition to these goals, the program aims to bring back to Earth a sample of the asteroid's regolith, or surface material. By studying this sample, scientists hope to gain insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system and the role that near-Earth asteroids such as Bennu have played in its history. The OSIRIS-REx program is a complex and challenging mission, requiring a high level of technical expertise and precision. Nevertheless, the potential scientific benefits of the program make it an exciting and important undertaking for NASA and the wider scientific community. In this essay, we will explore the OSIRIS-REx program in more detail, examining its objectives, scientific instruments, and potential impact on our understanding of the solar system.
The Early Days of OSIRIS-REx: Research and Development
The OSIRIS-REx program is one of NASA's most ambitious missions to date, and it all began with years of research and development. Here's a closer look at the early days of the project.
The Genesis of OSIRIS-REx
The idea for the OSIRIS-REx program was first proposed back in 2004, as part of NASA's New Frontiers Program. The goal was to explore an asteroid up close and collect samples to bring back to Earth - something that had never been done before. After years of planning and development, the mission officially launched on September 8th, 2016.
Building a Team
To make this mission a reality, NASA brought together experts from across various fields - from engineers and scientists to project managers and more. Together, they worked tirelessly on everything from designing spacecraft components to developing software algorithms for navigation.
Testing Equipment
One crucial aspect of preparing for any space mission is testing equipment in different environments that are similar to space conditions. For example, researchers tested the spacecraft's robotic arm under simulated microgravity conditions by suspending it on cables in a vacuum chamber. This helped ensure that everything would work as expected once out in space.
Choosing an Asteroid
Selecting an asteroid for exploration was no easy task - but eventually, scientists settled on Bennu. This ancient asteroid is believed to be over 4 billion years old and could provide valuable insights into our solar system's formation.
Designing Spacecraft Components
Designing spacecraft components involved developing new technologies like the Touch-and-go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM). TAGSAM consists of a sampling head attached via flexible tubing that collects regolith by blowing nitrogen gas onto its surface at high speeds which stirs up dust which can be captured during contact between TAGSAM’s head with Bennu’s surface.
Creating a Plan
Once the team had a target asteroid in mind, they began developing a plan for how to get there. This involved choosing the right trajectory, figuring out how to navigate around Bennu's gravitational pull, and deciding where on the asteroid to land and collect samples.
Launching OSIRIS-REx: A Whirlwind Journey to Space
After years of preparation, the OSIRIS-REx mission was finally ready for launch. Here's a closer look at the journey to space and what it took to get there.
Pre-Launch Preparations
Before launch day, NASA went through a series of preparations to ensure that everything would go smoothly. This included testing the spacecraft's systems, loading fuel into the rocket, and making sure that all personnel involved were ready for the big day.
The Launch Itself
On September 8th, 2016, OSIRIS-REx lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on board an Atlas V rocket. The launch went off without a hitch - and soon after liftoff, ground control established communication with the spacecraft.
Early Operations in Space
Once in space, OSIRIS-REx began a series of operations designed to get it closer and closer to its target asteroid. This included deploying solar panels for power generation as well as using thrusters for course corrections along the way.
Earth Gravity Assist Maneuver
To gain speed and trajectory towards Bennu researchers used Earth’s gravity assist by making close approach maneuvers which increased speed while changing direction towards Bennu’s orbit.
Deep Space Communications Network
As OSIRIS-REx traveled deeper into space en route to Bennu it required communication support from NASA’s Deep Space Network (DNS) comprising three ground stations around earth situated at Goldstone California; Madrid Spain; Canberra Australia; these stations are equipped with large antennas capable of receiving signals sent by spacecraft millions of kilometers away from earth.
Arrival at Bennu
After traveling more than two years through deep space conditions over 1 billion miles away from Earth on December 3rd 2018 Osiris-Rex arrived at its destination – an ancient asteroid called Bennu. The spacecraft entered into orbit around the asteroid, and researchers began planning for a series of operations to study it up close.
Approaching Bennu: Navigating the Challenges
As OSIRIS-REx approached its target asteroid, researchers faced a series of challenges - from navigating around Bennu's gravitational pull to finding the perfect landing site for collecting samples. Here's what it took to overcome those obstacles and get up close and personal with this ancient space rock.
Studying Bennu from Afar
Before getting too close, researchers used various instruments onboard OSIRIS-REx to study Bennu from afar. This included using cameras to take detailed images of the asteroid's surface as well as spectrometers to analyze its composition.
Determining Shape and Size of Bennu
Navigation Challenges
Navigating around an object in space is no easy task - especially when that object is millions of miles away. Researchers had to carefully plot out their course using precise calculations based on everything from gravity to solar radiation pressure.
Finding a Landing Site
One critical aspect of this mission was finding the perfect landing site for collecting samples. The team spent months analyzing data about potential sites before finally settling on Nightingale - a relatively flat area near one of Bennu's poles.
Touch-and-go Sample Collection Maneuver (TAG)
The Touch-and-go Sample Collection Maneuver (TAG) was designed by NASA engineers for sampling regolith material off asteroid’s surface safely without touching down completely. This maneuver involves hovering above Nightingale’s surface, extending TAGSAM sampling head onto Asteroid’s Surface while firing nitrogen gas jets onto regolith which stirs up dust particles that can be captured by TAGSAM head during contact with Asteroid’s surface.
Navigating Close to Bennu
As OSIRIS-REx got closer and closer to Bennu, navigating became even more challenging. The spacecraft had to avoid obstacles on the asteroid's surface while also dealing with its gravitational pull, which could affect its trajectory.
The Return Journey: OSIRIS-REx Brings Pieces of Bennu Back to Earth
After years of planning, development, and exploration, the OSIRIS-REx mission finally achieved its ultimate goal - bringing pieces of an asteroid back to Earth. Here's a closer look at what it took to make this historic moment possible.
Collecting Samples from Bennu
One of the most critical aspects of this mission was collecting samples from Bennu's surface using The Touch-and-go Sample Collection Maneuver (TAG). After hovering above Nightingale for just a few seconds, TAGSAM made contact with the asteroid's surface and blasted nitrogen gas onto it to stir up dust particles which were then captured by TAGSAM head. This maneuver was successful as researchers confirmed that regolith samples were safely collected.
Storing Samples Onboard OSIRIS-REx
After collecting samples from Bennu’s surface on October 20th 2020 NASA engineers carefully stored them in Sample Return Capsule (SRC) placed inside spacecraft’s Sample Return Container (SRC). SRC contains several layers of protection including insulation material, heat shield and shock-absorbing system designed for safe transport during re-entry into earth’s atmosphere.
Leaving Bennu Behind
With its mission accomplished, OSIRIS-REx said goodbye to Bennu and began its journey back home. But even this part of the journey presented some challenges - like navigating around Earth's gravitational pull while also maintaining communication with ground control.
Reentry into Earth’s Atmosphere
On September 24th 2023 after travelling more than two years through deep space conditions over one billion miles away from earth Osiris-Rex will enter earths atmosphere at a speed exceeding28 thousand miles per hour; It will decelerate rapidly undergoing intense heat due to air friction until it deploys parachutes that slow down descent landing safely in Utah desert where scientists will retrieve the samples for further analysis.
Analyzing the Samples
Once back on Earth, scientists will begin analyzing the samples brought back by OSIRIS-REx. This will involve everything from examining their chemical composition to studying their physical properties, all in an effort to better understand our solar system's history and origins.## FAQs
What is the OSIRIS-REx program?
The OSIRIS-REx program is a NASA mission that aims to study and collect samples from an asteroid named Bennu. OSIRIS-REx stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer. The program was launched in September 2016 and is expected to return to Earth in 2023 with samples of Bennu.
What is the importance of studying Bennu?
The study of Bennu is important because it can provide insight into the formation and evolution of the solar system, as well as the origin of life on Earth. Bennu is believed to be a primitive asteroid that has remained relatively unchanged for billions of years. By analyzing the composition of the asteroid, scientists can learn about the conditions that existed when the solar system was formed. Additionally, Bennu is a Near-Earth Object (NEO) and studying it can help scientists understand and prepare for potential asteroid impacts on Earth.
How will the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collect samples from Bennu?
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will approach Bennu and use its robotic arm to touch the surface of the asteroid for a few seconds. This will release a blast of nitrogen gas, which will stir up the regolith (loose materials on the surface) and cause it to be captured by the spacecraft's collector head. The sample collection maneuver is known as Touch-and-Go (TAG). The spacecraft will be able to make up to three TAG attempts to collect a minimum of 60 grams of material.
What will happen to the samples collected from Bennu?
The samples collected from Bennu will be stored in a sample return capsule that will be launched back to Earth in 2023. The sample return capsule will enter Earth's atmosphere and land in Utah, where it will be retrieved and taken to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The samples will be studied by scientists around the world to learn more about the composition and history of the asteroid, as well as the early solar system. Additionally, the samples will be used to develop and test methods for future asteroid mining missions.