OSIRIS-REx orbits, maneuvers, and mapping

Released Tuesday, October 4, 2016

ID: 4482

- Visualizations by:
- Kel Elkins
- Produced by:
- Dan Gallagher

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security - Regolith Explorer spacecraft will travel to a near-Earth asteroid, called Bennu (formerly 1999 RQ36), and bring at least a 2.1-ounce sample back to Earth for study. The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth.

OSIRIS-REx launched on Sept. 8, 2016, at 7:05 p.m. EDT. As planned, the spacecraft will reach its target asteroid in 2018 and return a sample to Earth in 2023. These animations depict the journey of OSIRIS-REx to Bennu and back, including the complex maneuvers that the spacecraft will perform in the asteroid's low-gravity environment. The animations are presented in chronological order.

OSIRIS-REx outbound orbit to asteroid Bennu, including an Earth-gravity assist approximately one year after launch. The gravity assist will adjust the spacecraft’s orbit, putting it in the same inclination as the orbit of Bennu.

OSIRIS-REx performs an Earth Gravity Assist to enter Bennu's orbit plane.

OSIRIS-REx outbound orbit to asteroid Bennu, with a top-down view of the Earth-gravity assist.

OSIRIS-REx will approach Bennu in 2018. Upon arrival, the spacecraft will execute a series of maneuvers to study the asteroid. In this orientation, Bennu's North Pole points down.

OSIRIS-REx will approach Bennu in 2018. Upon arrival, the spacecraft will execute a series of maneuvers to study the asteroid. In this orientation, Bennu's North Pole points up.

OSIRIS-REx 'Baseball Diamond' scans

OSIRIS-REx 'Baseball Diamond' scans with station labels fading over time

OSIRIS-REx Equatorial Stations

OSIRIS-REx Equatorial Stations with sun vector

OSIRIS-REx transitions from Equatorial Stations to Orbital B

OSIRIS-REx Orbit B precession over a two-month period.

While in orbit around Bennu, OSIRIS-REx will study and map the asteroid's entire surface.

OSIRIS-REx scans the surface of Bennu. Video available in both 30fps and 60fps formats.

OSIRIS-REx scans one of several potential sample locations.

OSIRIS-REx will perform a series of reconnaissance passes close to the asteroid. This visualization depicts a 225 meter pass.

OSIRIS-REx will perform a series of reconnaissance passes close to the asteroid. This visualization depicts a 525 meter pass.

OSIRIS-REx Checkpoint TAG rehearsal

OSIRIS-REx Matchpoint TAG rehearsal

After studying the asteroid for more than a year, OSIRIS-REx will briefly ‘tag’ the surface to collect a small sample, which it will return to Earth in 2023.

OSIRIS-REx returns to Earth with its precious sample of asteroid Bennu. After releasing the sample return capsule, the spacecraft will go into orbit around the Sun.