NASA has completed an astounding feat by landing a capsule in Utah, USA, capping off a seven-year voyage through space.
NASA with a capsule
This was the first US mission dedicated to asteroid sample retrieval. It has provided critical insights into the creation of the solar system and Earth’s ability to support life.
Engineers carefully organised a smooth landing at Utah’s military testing range after the capsule’s suspenseful fall through Earth’s atmosphere.
Osiris-Rex Mission
The adventure began four years ago with the launch of the Osiris-Rex mission, which eventually landed on the asteroid Bennu and collected nine ounces of dust from its surface.
The probe began its return to Earth after travelling 3.86 billion kilometres.
The importance of this mission cannot be emphasised, and the asteroid dust recovered is extremely significant, providing scientists with invaluable insights into the early stages of the solar system.
Bill, NASA’s Commander
NASA’s commander, Bill Nelson, emphasised the significance of the asteroid dust, emphasising the tremendous insight it would bring into the solar system’s origins, drawing a parallel to the Apollo moon rock return.
He praised the mission’s historical and scientific importance. The capsule’s flawless landing guaranteed that the vital airtight seal stayed intact, maintaining the sample’s purity and preventing contamination.
The acquired sample is currently on its way to the Johnson Space Centre in Houston for further examination.
The vast majority will be saved for future generations, with a small part set aside for immediate experiments. A limited amount will also be distributed to overseas mission partners such as Japan and Canada.
Furthermore, these celestial bodies hold vital information about the evolution of the solar system, and they may contribute to life on Earth by bringing organic ingredients and even water.
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