The OSIRIS-REx mission achieved a significant milestone as its asteroid sample return capsule safely touched down on Earth. With the capsule now in the hands of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the meticulous process of securing and extracting the precious sample has begun.
Securing the Capsule: Preventing Contamination
The first step upon the capsule's arrival was to open its lid within a specialized glove box. This crucial step aims to ensure that the sample remains free from contamination. The examination of the capsule's contents has already revealed intriguing findings.
Discovery of 'Black Dust and Debris'
Upon opening the capsule, NASA scientists were greeted with what they've described as "black dust and debris," per IFL Science. It's a glimpse of what's to come when the main container is unveiled.
This discovery has created a wave of anticipation for the next phases of the operation.
Furthermore, the OSIRIS-REx mission has triumphantly delivered approximately 250 grams of pristine material from asteroid Bennu. This is the most extensive collection of cosmic material from beyond the Moon, offering scientists a treasure trove of insights into the composition and history of our solar system.
Related Article : NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Samples Now Safe and Secured-Undergoing 'Nitrogen Purge'
Unlocking the TAGSAM
The key to this successful mission is the Touch and Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), NASA writes in its blog. This intricate instrument was responsible for collecting material from Bennu's surface. The TAGSAM will now undergo a complex disassembly process.
NASA's team has meticulously rehearsed every step of the procedure over the last few months to safeguard the material's pristine condition. The TAGSAM will be separated from the rest of the canister and transferred to its dedicated glovebox.
An Extra Layer of Protection: Keeping Oxygen and Moisture at Bay
Nitrogen, an inert gas, will be continuously pumped through the container to prevent contact with oxygen and moisture. This meticulous approach highlights the team's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the precious sample.
The grand reveal of the collected sample will be a momentous event. NASA is set to live-stream the entire disassembly process of the TAGSAM on October 11 at 11:00 a.m. ET (3:00 p.m. UTC).
This event provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and experts to witness this remarkable feat. You can catch the live broadcast on NASA TV and the agency's various online platforms and social media channels.
In other news, a team of astronomers discovered that another TRAPPIST-1 system showed no traces of atmosphere, per Tech Times. According to the researchers, the exoplanet is considered to be a rocky world to live in. It's only veiled by carbon dioxide.
The recent finding suggests that detecting a tinge of air has been a challenging task for the group. Another obstacle they consider is recognizing the spectrum of the exoplanet from the star's interference.
