OSIRIS-REx Mission Quiz

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

• To explore the moons of Mars

• To map the surface of the Moon

• To collect samples from a B-type asteroid

• To study the atmosphere of Venus

Why are B-type asteroids of particular interest to scientists?

• They have a smooth surface

• They are the largest asteroids in the solar system

• They are primitive and may contain organic molecules

• They contain water ice

What unexpected discovery did OSIRIS-REx make about Bennu?

• It has a smooth surface

• It is covered in boulders

• It has a liquid core

• It is smaller than expected

What was the name of the chosen sample site on Bennu?

• Eagle

• Falcon

• Nightingale

• Hawk

How many rehearsals were planned before the actual sampling attempt?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What is the purpose of the 'Matchpoint' burn during the rehearsal?

• To deploy the sampling arm

• To increase the spacecraft's speed

• To match the rotation of Bennu

• To slow down the spacecraft

What method does NASA use to measure the amount of regolith collected?

• Using a scale on the spacecraft

• Weighing the sample in space

• Comparing the inertia of spins

• Measuring the volume of the sample

How many attempts does OSIRIS-REx have to collect a sample?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What is one reason for studying Bennu closely?

• It has an atmosphere

• It is made of gold

• It has a high chance of colliding with Earth

• It is the largest asteroid

When is the sample from Bennu expected to return to Earth?

• 2022

• 2021

• 2023

• 2024