Here’s the scoop! (Rimshot)
NASA made history this week after completing the difficult task of sampling a moving asteroid.
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft used its built-in robotic arm to extend and collect chunks of an asteroid flying near the Earth.
The craft was not the first to sample an asteroid however, it is documented as the first by NASA to do so.
The craft is expected to return for collection in September of 2023 the feat was not the first to sample an asteroid however, it is documented as the first by NASA to do so. It serves as a display of the technical advancement NASA has been able to accomplish. What this collection will mean to the world of science is yet to be discovered, but come September there are hopes of great discovery.
In congratulatory manner, Yuichi Tsuda, project manager for the Hayabusa2 mission at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said, “Tomorrow, a new door opens for solar system exploration. The [OSIRIS-REx] team should be able to achieve great results with the right decisions and exquisite control. Keep safe, and Godspeed!”