Scientists at the University of Arizona are on pins and needles, as a probe carrying samples it collected from an asteroid millions of miles away is set to return the sample to Earth. Here's what to know about the OSIRIS-REx mission.
that the space probe made a final flyover of Bennu before its return to Earth. The return trip began in May 2021.It has been a moment years in the making, as the OSIRIS-REx space probe, which was launched in 2016 from Florida, is set to land on Earth in September with a sample from the asteroid Bennu. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports.On that day, the team will make a "Go/No Go" decision at 2:00 a.m.
NASA officials will reportedly keep 75% of the samples in storage for future generations, whom might discover ways to test the rocks in ways we can't even comprehend. Meteorites that fall from the sky are tarnished by rain, wind and time. Samples from Bennu will be different. "They return a sample from an asteroid we know exactly what asteroid it comes from, where on the asteroid it comes from, and it's returned very, very pristine," said Thomas Zega with UArizona Planetary Sciences.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASA discussing September arrival of OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample: Watch live todayThe OSIRIS-REx press event begins today (Aug. 30) at 5 p.m. ET.
Read more »
NASA conducts crucial drop test ahead of Sept. 24 arrival of OSIRIS-REx asteroid sampleOSIRIS-REx's precious cargo will touch down in the Utah desert on Sept. 24.
Read more »
Anchorage Museum program to help people learn, preserve Alaska Native languagesKirk Gallardo is doing his part to help preserve Alaska Native languages through a program he considers to be user-friendly.
Read more »
Anchorage Museum program to help people learn, preserve Alaska Native languagesKirk Gallardo is doing his part to help preserve Alaska Native languages through a program he considers to be user-friendly.
Read more »
Students at Ventana Vista Elementary learn various subjects in SpanishThe school offers the Spanish immersion education program which teaches students in Spanish for at least half the day.
Read more »