It's Time to Visit an Asteroid!

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission aims to collect samples from asteroid Bennu to study the origins of life on Earth. Bennu was chosen for its proximity, size, and composition. The mission will use advanced instruments to map and analyze the asteroid. The sample collection will involve a brief contact with Bennu, using nitrogen gas to gather material. The mission will return samples to Earth in 2023, contributing to our understanding of the solar system's formation. SciShow plans to expand its channels with support from Patreon.

What is the significance of the materials that OSIRIS-REx aims to collect from Bennu?

How will the sample capsule return to Earth, and where is it expected to land?

What are the potential future uses of the samples collected from Bennu?