NASA’s OSIRIS-REx probe has successfully executed its final trajectory-correcting maneuver, marking a significant step forward for the mission. The maneuver, which took place on Sunday, September 17th, involved firing the probe’s thrusters to change its velocity by 7 inches per minute.
The primary objective of this maneuver was to adjust the predicted landing location of the probe’s sample capsule. By moving it approximately 8 miles east, the capsule is now situated at the precise center of its predetermined landing zone. This adjustment ensures a more precise and accurate landing when the sample is finally brought back to Earth.
This engine burn represents a tweak to a crucial maneuver that set the probe on the correct course for capsule release on September 24th. The OSIRIS-REx mission, which commenced in 2016, was launched in the direction of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. Last year, the probe successfully collected approximately 8.8 ounces of material from Bennu’s surface.
Now, the eagerly awaited return capsule is scheduled to touch down in Utah shortly before 11 a.m. EDT on September 24th. Once it lands, the sample will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it will undergo curation and storage.
Intriguingly, the captured material will not remain solely in the hands of NASA scientists. Portions of the sample will be distributed to researchers worldwide, allowing them to conduct studies on the early stages of our solar system. Additionally, these scientists will explore the role of carbon-rich asteroids, like Bennu, in the development of life on Earth.
While the return capsule’s arrival marks a milestone, the main OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will continue its mission. It is set to embark on a journey toward the potentially hazardous asteroid Apophis in 2029, where it will conduct further research and gather crucial data.
The OSIRIS-REx mission is a testament to NASA’s unwavering commitment to exploring the mysteries of our universe. By capturing material from an asteroid and bringing it back to Earth, scientists hope to unlock valuable insights about the origins of our solar system and potentially shed light on the emergence of life on our planet.
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