[ad_1]
Because the high-resolution images show an asteroid Bennu is actually made up of rocks and not sand as the scientists had originally planned – which poses a problem to the Osiris lander who is about to hit the surface. Indeed, the shocking revelation has knocked out the world of science.
NASA's Osiris-REX probe mapped the unique surface of the asteroid before the planned landing of next year.
But the ship was loaded with tools to land on the sand and collect a "beach-like sand substance" – the extremely rocky terrain has now dismissed scientists.
NASA Chief Rich Burns said, "Although Osiris-REX was designed to collect a sample of an asteroid with a" beach-like "area."
But NASA was delighted with the Osirs mission up to now
Launched in September 2016, the probe reached near the asteroid in December 2018.
The 20-foot machine can travel 19,000 mph and the bosses are confident that the probe will be able to cope with the unexpected terrain.
Mr. Burns said, "The extraordinary flight performance to date shows that we can meet the challenge of Bennu's rugged terrain.
"This extraordinary performance includes not only the spaceship and its instruments, but also the team that continues to meet all the challenges that Bennu launches. "
READ MORE: Shock "Asteroid Apocalypse": NASA's bold mission to land on Bennu
Nightingale, one of the potential landing sites, is located north of the asteroid, and there is information to suggest that the material would be useful for collection.
Kingfisher, another proposed landing site, is surrounded by large rocks, with a small 8-meter crater to land.
But the area has a strong spectral signature that tells the experts an abundance of hydrated material.
Tensions have emerged between a safe site for land transport and scientific profit and interest.
The samples will be collected by the Touch and Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGASM), which uses a 3.4 meter arm.
When this touches the surface, short puffs of nitrogen will stir the materials to collect.
Once the samples are taken, the ship will leave the asteroid in March 2021 and the capsules will return to Earth in September 2023.
Dante Laurette of the University of Arizona, Tucson, said, "We knew Bennu was going to surprise us, so we are prepared for everything we could find.
"As in any mission of exploration, dealing with the unknown requires flexibility, resources and ingenuity. "
[ad_2]
Source link