How NASA Scientists Managed OSIRIS-Rex Touchdown on Bennu

The Osiris Rex mission, led by NASA, aimed to collect samples from the asteroid Bennu. Launched in 2016, the spacecraft successfully collected more material than expected, despite challenges like Bennu's low gravity and rocky surface. The mission marked the first time a spacecraft collected samples from an asteroid's surface. Osiris Rex is now returning to Earth, with its samples expected to arrive in September 2023. The mission's success paves the way for future explorations, including a mission to the Apophis asteroid, under the new name Osiris Apex.

What was the primary goal of the Osiris Rex mission?

• To land on the moon

• To collect a sample from the Bennu asteroid

• To photograph the Bennu asteroid

• To explore Mars

Why was Bennu considered an important target for the Osiris Rex mission?

• It is extremely old and may hold clues to the solar system's formation

• It is believed to contain water

• It is the closest asteroid to Earth

• It is the largest asteroid in the solar system

What challenge did the Osiris Rex face due to Bennu's surface?

• Thick atmosphere

• Large boulders and low gravity

• Strong winds

• High temperatures

Which site was ultimately chosen for the Osiris Rex landing?

• Osprey

• Kingfisher

• Sandpiper

• Nightingale

What was the purpose of the practice runs before the actual landing?

• To photograph the asteroid

• To ensure the thrusters worked correctly

• To test the spacecraft's speed

• To collect initial samples

What unexpected event occurred during the sample collection?

• The spacecraft malfunctioned

• A large crater was created

• The spacecraft landed on a different asteroid

• The sample was lost

How much material did Osiris Rex collect from Bennu?

• Between 400 grams and over 1 kilogram

• 100 grams

• 2 kilograms

• 60 grams

What is the next mission for Osiris Rex after returning to Earth?

• Landing on Venus

• Exploring Mars

• Studying the moon

• Investigating the Apophis asteroid

What new name was given to Osiris Rex for its next mission?

• Osiris Bennu Explorer

• Osiris Mars Explorer

• Osiris Venus Explorer

• Osiris Apophis Explorer

When is the Apophis asteroid expected to pass close to Earth?

• 2029

• 2025

• 2040

• 2035