Surprises from Asteroid Bennu

The video discusses the Osiris Rex mission to asteroid Bennu, detailing its discovery, challenges faced due to Bennu's rough surface, and the spacecraft's record-breaking orbits. It highlights the mission's achievements in mapping Bennu's topography and outlines plans for collecting samples from the asteroid. The mission has progressed from initial radar images to being mere months away from a sample collection attempt, showcasing significant advancements in space exploration.

What was one of the unexpected features of Bennu's surface discovered by Osiris Rex?

• It was entirely metallic.

• It was covered in ice.

• It had a smooth, sandy surface.

• It was rough and filled with boulders.

Why does Osiris Rex need to fly very close to Bennu's surface?

• To enter into orbit due to Bennu's weak gravity.

• To communicate with ground stations.

• To capture images of Earth.

• To avoid other spacecraft.

What record did Osiris Rex set during its mission?

• Longest mission duration in space.

• First spacecraft to capture images of Mars.

• Closest orbit of a spacecraft around a celestial body.

• First spacecraft to land on an asteroid.

How did Osiris Rex's close flybys benefit the mission?

• It allowed for better communication with Earth.

• It enabled detailed mapping of Bennu's topography.

• It helped in capturing images of other asteroids.

• It reduced the mission's duration.

What is the main goal of the Osiris Rex mission as described in the final section?

• To establish a permanent base on Bennu.

• To collect and return a sample from Bennu.

• To destroy the asteroid.

• To send humans to Bennu.