The Asteroid That Nearly Swallowed OSIRIS-Rex

The video explores the fear of ball pits and relates it to the Osiris Rex mission to the asteroid Bennu. Bennu is a rubble pile asteroid with a surface lacking cohesion, posing challenges for spacecraft. The Osiris Rex mission successfully collected samples, revealing unexpected findings about Bennu's surface. These insights are crucial for future missions and understanding asteroid behavior. The spacecraft is set to return to Earth with samples and will later fly by the asteroid Apophis.

What is the primary characteristic of a rubble pile asteroid like Bennu?

• It is composed of individual chunks of rocks with weak gravitational attraction.

• It has a smooth, icy surface.

• It is made entirely of metal.

• It is a solid, rocky body.

What was the main objective of the Osiris Rex mission to Bennu?

• To observe Bennu from a distance.

• To establish a human base on Bennu.

• To collect samples and bring them back to Earth.

• To destroy the asteroid.

What unexpected result occurred during the Osiris Rex's sample collection on Bennu?

• The spacecraft bounced off the surface.

• The spacecraft created a large crater.

• The spacecraft was unable to collect any samples.

• The spacecraft got stuck on the surface.

Why is understanding rubble pile asteroids important for future missions?

• To establish new colonies.

• To mine precious metals.

• To prevent potential collisions with Earth.

• To find new sources of water.

What is the next target for the Osiris Rex mission after Bennu?

• Mars

• Jupiter

• The Moon

• The asteroid Apophis