Largest asteroid sample - 6th October 2023

Osiris-Rex landed in the Utah desert, after leaving in search of asteroid Bennu seven years ago. It brought back the largest asteroid dust sample ever collected from space.

"And touchdown of the Osiris-Rex sample return capsule. A journey of a billion miles to asteroid Bennu and back has come to an end."

The dust sample weighs only 250 grams, but scientists are pleased. Head investigator of Osiris-Rex, Dante Lauretta is eager for research to begin.

Dante Lauretta: "So we think we've got a lot of sample in that, in that science canister and we can't wait to, to crack into it. For me, the real science is just beginning."

Scientists believe the asteroid sample holds key information to understanding the origins of our solar system and life on Earth. Their main objective is to keep the sample free from contamination.

Dante Lauretta: "The key objective for me and one of the driving objectives of this programme, is to try to understand that carbon rich asteroids, like Bennu, deliver the compounds that may have led to the origin of life on our planet. The origin of Earth is a habitable world. And so, we don't want biological organisms interacting with this. So, we plan to exclude it from any contact with bacteria or anything else that might compromise our scientific investigation."

The information gathered from research on the asteroid dust could help protect Earth. Bennu's believed to be the most dangerous rock in the universe to us, as it could crash into Earth within the next century. By understanding the makeup of the asteroid, we can create a plan to steer Bennu away from Earth.

Scientists have decided to store seventy percent of the asteroid dust. They'd like future generations of scientists, with more advanced technology and techniques, to build on current knowledge.

Lauretta feels satisfied that his years of hard work have resulted in collecting this asteroid sample.

Dante Lauretta: "And then, we heard 'main chute detected', and I literally broke into tears. I mean, and I'm probably gonna do it right now just thinking about it, because that was the moment I knew we made it home. And you know, I'm weary at this point. I've been thinking about this and focusing on it and all of my energy and all my will has gone into making this thing a success. And I knew the moment the chute opened, that was it. We knew what to do from that point forward. There was no surprises left. And it was overwhelming relief, gratitude, pride, awe"