NASA selects asteroid target site for spacecraft to sample

The OSIRIS-REx mission aims to gather samples from the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft has been orbiting Bennu since December 2018. The Nightingale site, located in a cooler region of Bennu, is chosen for its potential to preserve ancient materials. The site is a 20-meter wide crater within a larger crater, posing a challenge for the spacecraft's landing. Bennu is rich in carbon and organic substances, making it scientifically valuable. The spacecraft will briefly touch down on Bennu to collect samples using its robotic arm.

What materials does Bennu's surface preserve that are important for study?

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How long will the spacecraft touch down on Bennu to gather a sample?

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