OSIRIS-REx Tech: Mapping an Asteroid with Lasers

Tim Halligan from the Canadian Space Agency discusses the Osiris Rex mission, an international collaboration led by NASA to study asteroid Bennu. The mission aims to capture a sample from Bennu and return it to Earth. Understanding Bennu's shape is crucial for successful sample collection. The Ola instrument, contributed by Canada, will map Bennu's surface using lasers. This mission provides Canadian scientists access to asteroid materials and showcases their expertise. Building space instruments involves rigorous testing to ensure they withstand space conditions. The team eagerly anticipates the first images of Bennu.

What is the primary mission of Osiris-Rex?

Why is understanding the shape of asteroid Bennu important for the mission?

Describe the function of the Ola instrument on the spacecraft.

What challenges do engineers face when building flight instruments for space?

What are the expected outcomes when the first images of the asteroid are received?