NASA Struggles to Unlock Priceless Asteroid Sample

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Source: ScienceAlert
NASA Struggles to Unlock Priceless Asteroid Sample
Photo: ScienceAlert
TL;DR Summary

NASA is facing difficulty in opening the container holding the dirt sample collected from asteroid Bennu due to the sealed Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM). The container needs to be opened in a special glovebox to minimize Earth contamination, but two fasteners cannot be removed with the current tools. Despite this setback, the team has managed to collect 70.3 grams of asteroid material from the travel canister and around the outside of the TAGSAM. The sample will be opened using new approaches while maintaining its integrity and cleanliness.

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