NASA | Studying an Asteroid on Earth

The video discusses the study of astrobiology, focusing on the origin and evolution of life through organic chemistry. It highlights the challenges of studying meteorites due to contamination and the importance of pristine sample collection from asteroids. The OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu is detailed, emphasizing its role in collecting and returning samples to Earth. The significance of these samples is underscored by their potential to provide insights beyond current technological capabilities, benefiting future generations as technology and scientific questions evolve.

What is the primary focus of the Astrobiology Article Laboratory?

• Studying the atmosphere of distant planets

• Understanding the origin and evolution of life

• Developing new space travel technologies

• Analyzing the surface of Mars

Why is it challenging to study meteorites that land on Earth?

• They often land in remote areas

• They get contaminated by Earth's environment

• They are too small to analyze

• They burn up in the atmosphere

What is the main goal of the OSIRIS-REx mission?

• To map the surface of the Moon

• To study the rings of Saturn

• To collect samples from the asteroid Bennu

• To explore the surface of Mars

Where will the samples from Bennu be first landed upon returning to Earth?

• Kennedy Space Center

• Johnson Space Center

• Cape Canaveral

• Utah Test and Training Range

How do sample return missions benefit future generations?

• They provide immediate answers to all scientific questions

• They allow for the development of new space travel methods

• They offer samples that can be studied with future technologies

• They help in predicting weather patterns on Earth