NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Approaches Asteroid Bennu

The video discusses NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which aims to collect a sample from the asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth. The mission's approach phase involves navigating the spacecraft to Bennu, analyzing images, and preparing for potential hazards. The mission is significant as it will provide insights into the solar system's formation and the building blocks of life. The team is ready to adapt to challenges, such as the asteroid's shape, and plans to collect a sample in 2020, returning it to Earth by 2023.

What was the primary goal of the Osiris Rex mission launched in 2016?

• To collect a sample from an asteroid

• To orbit the Moon

• To land on Mars

• To study the Sun

During the approach phase, what is the main responsibility of the flight dynamics team?

• Analyzing asteroid samples

• Communicating with Earth

• Navigating the spacecraft

• Designing the spacecraft

What is one of the potential scientific benefits of studying asteroids like Bennu?

• They are easy to land on

• They can be used for space tourism

• They may hold the building blocks of life

• They can provide energy resources

Why is returning a sample from an asteroid considered unique and special?

• It is a common practice in space missions

• It requires less fuel

• It allows for repeated analysis as technology advances

• It is cheaper than other missions

What is a potential challenge if Bennu has an irregular shape?

• It will be more stable

• It will have more resources

• It may complicate trajectory design

• It will be easier to land on

How long will Osiris Rex study Bennu before collecting a sample?

• One and a half years

• One year

• Six months

• Two years

When is Osiris Rex expected to deliver the sample back to Earth?

• 2020

• 2022

• 2023

• 2021