NASA Osiris-Rex probe lands on asteroid Bennu

Launched from Cape Canaveral in September  2016, the so-called Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) probe has been orbiting the asteroid since December 2018.

NASA scientists are hoping that during its brief landing on the surface of the asteroid, which took place on 20^th October 2020, the spacecraft was able to gather material that could help advance our understanding of the early solar system.

Hailing the achievement NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said: “This amazing first for NASA demonstrates how an incredible team from across the country came together and persevered through incredible challenges to expand the boundaries of knowledge. Our industry, academic, and international partners have made it possible to hold a piece of the most ancient solar system in our hands.”

During the manoeuvre the spacecraft fired its thrusters to nudge itself out of orbit around Bennu before extending the shoulder, then elbow, then wrist of its 11-foot (3.35-metre) sampling arm, known as the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM).