NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected samples from asteroid Bennu, is facing a challenge in accessing the sample due to two screws that cannot be removed with the current tools approved for use in the mission's glovebox. The team is working on developing new approaches to extract the material while keeping it safe and preserving its scientific integrity. Despite the setback, the mission has already surpassed its goal of bringing at least 60g of rocks and dust to Earth.
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.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which aims to return asteroid samples to Earth, has encountered difficulties in opening the container storing the majority of the samples. Two fasteners on the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) could not be removed with the current tools, hindering access to the material. The team is working on new approaches to extract the samples while ensuring their safety. Despite the setback, preliminary analysis of samples found outside the container has revealed the presence of water and carbon, supporting the theory of asteroids' role in the development of life on Earth.
