After months of difficulties and efforts, NASA announced on Thursday that the samples of materials collected from asteroid Bennu, which arrived on Earth in September, have been successfully opened. These materials hold incredible value for scientists and can contribute to a better understanding of our Solar System.
NASA’s mission, named OSIRIS-REx, dedicated to the study of asteroid Bennu, concluded successfully when the capsule containing the gathered samples reached Earth at the end of September 2023. These samples are extremely valuable as they originate from a time predating the existence of Earth and can provide crucial information about the beginnings of our Solar System.
However, after encountering a problem with removing 2 out of 35 securing connections on the capsule, scientists had to design new tools that would meet all of NASA’s requirements. These tools had to be made from approved materials and capable of operating in tight spaces.
After months of hard work by engineers and scientists, the obstacles were finally overcome, and the capsule containing the asteroid Bennu samples was opened. The exact weight of all the collected materials is not yet known, but it’s already certain that NASA has achieved its goals.
The extraordinary innovation and dedication of the team were crucial to the mission’s success. Now, a comprehensive catalog of samples will be published, and approximately 25 percent of the material will be provided to researchers worldwide. Over 200 scientists from 35 institutions will have access to these samples.
Asteroid Bennu, with a width of about 500 meters, may be small, but it holds immense significance for scientific research. It is relatively close to Earth and is rich in carbon. It is also classified as potentially hazardous as it comes within a distance of less than 0.05 astronomical units from our planet.
Source: [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-opens-up-critical-samples-forwarded-from-asteroid-bennu/)
The source of the article is from the blog tvbzorg.com