Sand-sized Meteoroids are Peppering Asteroid Bennu

Introduction

Asteroid Bennu, a near-Earth asteroid, has been the subject of study for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission. The spacecraft has been orbiting the asteroid since December 2018 and is set to collect a sample of the asteroid's surface in October 2020. However, recent observations have shown that the asteroid is being bombarded by sand-sized meteoroids, which could pose a challenge for the mission.

What are Sand-sized Meteoroids?

Sand-sized meteoroids are small particles of rock and dust that are left behind by comets and asteroids as they travel through space. These particles can range in size from a few micrometers to a few millimeters and can travel at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per second.

How are Sand-sized Meteoroids Affecting Asteroid Bennu?

Recent observations by the OSIRIS-REx mission have shown that asteroid Bennu is being bombarded by sand-sized meteoroids. These meteoroids are hitting the asteroid's surface at high speeds, causing small craters and leaving behind a layer of dust.

What are the Implications for the OSIRIS-REx Mission?

The OSIRIS-REx mission is set to collect a sample of the asteroid's surface in October 2020. However, the presence of sand-sized meteoroids could pose a challenge for the mission. The spacecraft's sampling mechanism is designed to collect particles that are larger than 2 centimeters in diameter. If the surface of the asteroid is covered in a layer of dust from the meteoroids, it could make it difficult for the spacecraft to collect a sample.

What are the Possible Solutions?

One possible solution to the problem of the sand-sized meteoroids is to change the trajectory of the spacecraft. By moving to a different location on the asteroid's surface, the spacecraft could avoid the areas that are being bombarded by the meteoroids. Another solution is to use the spacecraft's thrusters to blow away the layer of dust before attempting to collect a sample.

Conclusion

The discovery of sand-sized meteoroids bombarding asteroid Bennu is an important finding for the OSIRIS-REx mission. It highlights the challenges that come with exploring asteroids and the need for innovative solutions to overcome them.

FAQs

Q1. What is the OSIRIS-REx mission?

The OSIRIS-REx mission is a NASA mission to study the near-Earth asteroid Bennu and collect a sample of its surface.

Q2. Why is the OSIRIS-REx mission important?

The OSIRIS-REx mission is important because it will provide valuable information about the formation and evolution of the solar system.

Q3. What is the sampling mechanism used by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft?

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft uses a sampling mechanism called the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) to collect a sample of the asteroid's surface.

Q4. What is the size of the sand-sized meteoroids?

The sand-sized meteoroids can range in size from a few micrometers to a few millimeters.

Q5. What are the possible solutions to the problem of the sand-sized meteoroids?

Possible solutions include changing the trajectory of the spacecraft and using the spacecraft's thrusters to blow away the layer of dust before attempting to collect a sample.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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