Continuing its Osiris-Rex mission, NASA unveiled this Wednesday the first images of the asteroid sample collected by the probe. This precious cargo, from the asteroid Bennu, is the largest ever collected in space. Scientists around the world were impatiently awaiting these images as well as the first analyzes of the composition of this sample.
The Osiris-Rex mission was a success, with this sample taken in 2020 and the capsule returning to Earth a few weeks ago. Since then, NASA specialists have been working tirelessly to open the capsule in sterile conditions and analyze the collected samples. And already, some surprises are waiting for you.
In fact, the quantity of material recovered exceeds expectations. According to NASA scientist Christopher Snead, there is so much material that it is taking longer than expected to recover it all. But for him, it’s the “best problem you can have.” Residual black dust and debris were found outside the collection compartment, a spectacular discovery according to scientists.
These residues were quickly analyzed to obtain a first idea of the composition of the asteroid Bennu. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared measurements have been used to study the minerals present. This analysis will make it possible to draw up an inventory of the minerals observed, and perhaps to determine their proportion. Scientists also hope to find hydrated minerals, which would be an important discovery.
The study of asteroids is of great importance for scientists, because it provides a better understanding of the formation of the solar system and the appearance of life on Earth. Some believe that asteroids like Bennu may have brought to our planet the compounds necessary for the emergence of life. In addition, Bennu’s precise composition could prove useful in the future, if there is a risk of collision with Earth. Knowing how to deflect the asteroid’s trajectory could be crucial to avoiding catastrophe.
A large part of the sample will be preserved for subsequent studies with more efficient instruments, thus making it possible to answer new scientific questions. This approach has already been used with lunar samples brought back during the Apollo program.
In summary, the first images and analyzes of the asteroid sample collected by the Osiris-Rex probe are a major advance in our understanding of the universe and our origins. These discoveries could open up new perspectives and help us better understand the potential risks linked to asteroids. NASA will continue its research work and surely still has many surprises in store for us.