How Asteroid Bennu Stumped NASA Mission Planners

The video explores the Osiris Rex mission to asteroid Bennu, the smallest object ever orbited. It details the mission's objectives, including mapping Bennu's surface and collecting samples. The video highlights unexpected findings, such as hydrated minerals and dynamic activity on Bennu. Challenges in selecting landing sites due to large boulders are discussed, along with the implications of Bennu's fast rotation. The mission aims to provide insights into the nature of asteroids and the presence of water in the solar system.

What makes the Osiris Rex mission to Bennu unique?

• It is the first mission to explore the Sun.

• It is the first mission to orbit a planet.

• It is the first mission to orbit the smallest object ever.

• It is the first mission to land on Mars.

Why is it important to collect samples directly from Bennu?

• To find new types of rocks not found on Earth.

• To obtain samples that are unaffected by Earth's atmosphere.

• To test new space travel technologies.

• To study the effects of Earth's atmosphere on meteorites.

What unexpected feature did scientists find on Bennu's surface?

• Volcanic activity.

• Lakes of liquid water.

• Large boulders covering the surface.

• A smooth, flat surface.

What significant discovery was made about Bennu's composition?

• Presence of volcanic rocks.

• Presence of metallic ores.

• Presence of hydrated minerals like clays.

• Presence of ice caps.

What challenge did scientists face when selecting a landing site on Bennu?

• Extreme temperatures.

• Lack of suitable technology.

• Presence of large boulders.

• High atmospheric pressure.

What is the YORP effect observed on Bennu?

• A change in rotation due to solar radiation.

• A sudden increase in temperature.

• A gravitational pull from nearby planets.

• A magnetic field effect.

What dynamic activity was observed on Bennu?

• Volcanic eruptions.

• Ejection of material into space.

• Formation of new craters.

• Melting of ice.