NASA announced on September 24 that a capsule containing surface material from the asteroid had successfully returned to Earth – a mission assisted by Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory. NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft includes a three-camera array that includes detectors and electronics built and tested by SDL.
OSIRIS-REx was launched in 2016 with the primary mission to explore, study, and ultimately return samples from a near-Earth asteroid named Bennu.
At its core, OSIRIS-REx seeks to answer fundamental questions about the origins of our solar system. By studying Bennu, a primitive, carbon-rich asteroid from the early solar system, scientists hope to gain insight into the processes that led to the formation of planets and the building blocks of life. Bennu is believed to be the original remnant of the birth of the solar system, containing organic molecules and water-bearing minerals. Scientists hope that by carefully analyzing Bennu samples, humanity will learn more about the materials that may have played a role in the emergence of life on Earth.
The mission also has a planetary defense aspect. Bennu is classified as a potentially dangerous asteroid because its orbit makes it close to Earth. Understanding its composition, structure and trajectory is critical to assessing and mitigating potential future impact threats. OSIRIS-REx’s detailed study of Bennu helps improve our ability to predict the asteroid’s path and develop deflection or mitigation strategies if necessary.
In addition, OSIRIS-REx explores the concept of resource utilization in space. The “Resource Identification” component of the mission involves studying Bennu’s composition to identify potential resources such as water and minerals. These resources can be extracted for use in future space exploration missions, supporting efforts such as fueling spacecraft, creating life support systems, and even maintaining human colonies on other celestial bodies.
Three cameras whose imaging technology is provided by SDL — PolyCam, MapCam, and SamCam — played a critical role in selecting locations on Bennu for sample collection, mapping the asteroid, documenting the sampling process, and monitoring the spacecraft’s progress during the mission.
Precision Lens on Bennu
PolyCam acted as the mission’s spotter, capturing high-resolution images of Bennu from afar. These images are stunning and important for selecting the ideal spot on Bennu’s surface for the Touch-And-Go (TAG) sampling maneuver. PolyCam’s precision and clarity provide invaluable data for mission success.
Mapping the Bennu Landscape
MapCam contributed to the careful mapping of Bennu’s surface. It captures wide-angle images with the highest possible spatial resolution, allowing scientists to create detailed maps of the asteroid. This mapping is critical for identifying areas of scientific interest, safe landing zones, and potential hazards that could harm the spacecraft during sampling.
Witnessing History Up Close
SamCam was tasked with recording the historic TAG sampling event. These cameras documented every key moment as the spacecraft descended to Bennu’s surface, landed briefly, and collected samples. SamCam’s role is to provide critical visual data that ensures safe execution of sampling maneuvers.
Dante Lauretta is the mission’s principal investigator at the University of Arizona. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, provides overall mission management, systems engineering, and safety and mission assurance.
“SDL is honored to have played a role in this historic mission that will help answer fundamental scientific questions for the benefit of everyone, and we remain grateful to Dr. Lauretta and NASA for their leadership,” said Jed Hancock, SDL president. “I am proud of our SDL staff, who are committed to delivering mission success for our partners by ensuring that critical moments in the mission are captured precisely and clearly.”
After releasing the sample capsule, OSIRIS-REx completed maneuvers to begin its follow-up mission to investigate the asteroid Apophis.
Headquartered at Utah State University’s Innovation Campus in North Logan, UT, the Space Dynamics Laboratory is a non-profit organization and a Defense University Affiliated Research Center owned by USU. More than 1,000 dedicated SDL engineers, scientists, business professionals and student employees solve technical challenges faced by the military, science community and industry and support NASA’s vision to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of everyone. SDL has field offices in Albuquerque, NM; Chantilly, VA; Dayton, OH; Huntsville, AL; Ogden, UT; and Stafford, VA. For more information, visit www.sdl.usu.edu.
2023-10-22 12:11:29
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