NASA's OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Begins Return to Earth with Asteroid Sample
takyon writes:
NASA's OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Heads for Earth with Asteroid Sample
After nearly five years in space, NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft is on its way back to Earth with an abundance of rocks and dust from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu.
On Monday, May 10, at 4:23 p.m. EDT the spacecraft fired its main engines full throttle for seven minutes - its most significant maneuver since it arrived at Bennu in 2018. This burn thrust the spacecraft away from the asteroid at 600 miles per hour (nearly 1,000 kilometers per hour), setting it on a 2.5-year cruise towards Earth.
After releasing the sample capsule, OSIRIS-REx will have completed its primary mission. It will fire its engines to fly by Earth safely, putting it on a trajectory to circle the sun inside of Venus' orbit.
After orbiting the Sun twice, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is due to reach Earth Sept. 24, 2023. Upon return, the capsule containing pieces of Bennu will separate from the rest of the spacecraft and enter Earth's atmosphere. The capsule will parachute to the Utah Test and Training Range in Utah's West Desert, where scientists will be waiting to retrieve it.
Previously: OSIRIS-REx Enters Into Orbit Around Asteroid Bennu
NASA's OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Successfully Touches Asteroid
OSIRIS-REx Overflows with Asteroid Samples after Bagging Bounty from Bennu
Asteroid Samples Successfully Sealed in Capsule to Return to Earth, NASA Says
NASA Releases Incredible Video of OSIRIS-REx Tagging Asteroid - Mysterious Dark Patches Puzzle Team
Asteroid Bennu May be Hollow According to a New Study
NASA's OSIRIS-REx Completes Final Tour of Asteroid Bennu
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