Introduction:
NASA recently achieved a breakthrough by successfully opening the OSIRIS-REx sampler head, providing access to the valuable sample collected from the asteroid Bennu. This accomplishment comes after months of effort to address challenges with the container's stuck lid, preventing access to the precious asteroid material.
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| (Image: Google) |
Key Points:
1. Long-Awaited Success:
- NASA reported on Friday that they have overcome the hurdle of the stuck lid on the OSIRIS-REx sampler head. This development allows scientists to access the coveted sample collected from the asteroid Bennu.
2. Previous Challenges:
- The sample container, which landed on Earth in September, faced an obstacle as two fasteners were stuck, complicating the process of opening the container and retrieving the asteroid material.
3. Engineering Triumph:
- NASA engineers, in a significant achievement on January 10, successfully removed the two stuck fasteners, paving the way for the long-awaited access to the asteroid sample.
4. Precious Cargo:
- The sample container holds approximately 250 grams of material gathered from the surface of the asteroid Bennu by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft nearly two years ago. This material is of immense scientific value.
Conclusion:
NASA's perseverance has paid off as they successfully tackled the challenge of the stuck lid on the OSIRIS-REx sampler head. This achievement marks a crucial step in retrieving and studying the precious asteroid sample collected from Bennu, contributing valuable insights to our understanding of celestial bodies.
