NASA Uncovers Asteroid Dust and Debris in Sample Canister

TL;DR Summary
NASA scientists discovered "black dust and debris" on the avionics deck of the Osiris-REx space probe when they opened the lid of the capsule that recently returned to Earth with the largest asteroid sample ever collected. The residue is likely a result of issues during the collection phase, which were eventually resolved. The probe's lid was opened in an airtight chamber, and scientists are now preparing to analyze the bulk of the sample. The sample, collected from the asteroid Bennu, will provide insights into the formation of the solar system and the types of asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.
- Asteroid ‘dust, debris’ likely found as returned NASA space capsule opened Al Jazeera English
- Scientists just opened the lid to NASA’s asteroid sample canister Ars Technica
- How NASA Is Protecting Its Precious Asteroid Bennu Sample WIRED
- Bay Area team helps get rocks of asteroid that may hit Earth in century SFGATE
- Black Dust and Debris: NASA Scientists Remove OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Canister Lid SciTechDaily
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