Timeless quest- Bennu sample can help human understanding beyond the immediate

Source: The post is based on the article “Timeless quest- Bennu sample can help human understanding beyond the immediate” published in “The Hindu” on 28th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and technology- Awareness in the fields of Space

News: This article discusses NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, which collected rock samples from the ancient asteroid Bennu. The mission’s goals include studying the solar system’s history, understanding the origins of life, and learning how to prevent future asteroid collisions with Earth.

Why is Bennu significant?

Ancient Origins: Bennu settled into its present form and composition soon after the solar system’s formation, offering insight into our cosmic history.

Potential Earth Impact: Bennu could collide with Earth between 2178 and 2290, making it vital to study and devise prevention strategies.

Proximity to Earth: Bennu’s orbit brings it relatively close to Earth every six years, making it accessible for study

Carbonaceous Composition: It is a carbon-rich asteroid, offering insights into the solar system’s ingredients.

How does this mission contribute to science and safety?

Life’s Origin Exploration: The mission participates in the timeless quest to find out where life came from, by examining asteroids believed to have delivered life-forming compounds to Earth.

Impact Mitigation Technologies: Studying Bennu is pivotal for developing technologies and strategies to avoid its potential collision with Earth between 2178 and 2290.

Complementary Research: Working alongside Japan’s Hayabusa missions, it enriches global scientific understandings of asteroids, building a comprehensive view of our cosmic neighborhood.

Read more: OSIRIS-REx’s success, and Bennu’s gift of knowledge from the heavens