After nearly
two years of studying asteroid Bennu in great detail, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission
made its approach to collect a sample from the rugged surface.
The spacecraft steered itself down to the surface
of the Nightingale Crater, dodging hazards on its approach.
It sunk deep into the surface and collected
an incredible amount of asteroid sample.
OSIRIS-REx backed away from Bennu,
and the team sealed up the return capsule and prepared
for the long journey to Earth.
OSIRIS-REx is preparing to rendezvous with Earth
and will deliver the asteroid sample on September 24,
2023.
The return capsule will land in the Utah desert
and will be opened and studied for years to come.