NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, which aims to collect samples from the asteroid Bennu, has hit a snag. Scientists have encountered a problem accessing the sample collected from the asteroid due to two fasteners on the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) head that cannot be removed with the current tools approved for use in the mission’s glovebox.
This setback has prompted scientists at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to work on developing new approaches to extract the material inside the head, while ensuring the sample remains safe and pristine. The challenge lies in finding tools that fit inside the glovebox without compromising the scientific integrity of the collection, as clean room standards must be maintained.
Despite this obstacle, the curation team has managed to collect over 70g of rocks and dust from the sampler hardware, surpassing the agency’s initial goal of bringing at least 60g back to Earth. However, the remaining material inside the TAGSAM head can only be removed once the fastener issue is resolved.
In the meantime, the team has accessed some of the material by holding down the mylar flap on the head and removing the sample with tweezers or a scoop. Upon its return, the sample capsule was found to be covered in debris that had traveled billions of miles.
Over the next few weeks, the team will be dedicating their efforts to developing a new procedure for removing the remaining sample while continuing to process the material collected so far. The OSIRIS-REx science team will also begin analyzing the extracted material and conducting further analysis on the bulk sample obtained.
To ensure the sample’s safety, the TAGSAM head has been removed from the glovebox and stored in a transfer container that provides a stable, nitrogen-rich environment.
The OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected rocks and dust from Bennu’s surface in 2020, remains a crucial endeavor. This is due to Bennu being classified as an asteroid with a potential risk of collision with Earth in the year 2182, with a 1 in 2,700 chance of impact. Studying its composition closely could provide valuable insights and aid in devising strategies to mitigate the potential threat it poses.
Researchers and space enthusiasts alike eagerly await further updates on this mission, as the team at NASA works diligently to overcome the current hurdle and continue exploring the mysteries of our solar system.
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