From Deep Space to Earth: OSIRIS-REx Sample Capsule Lands Safely
OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule (SRC) safely on the ground at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR), after its atmospheric re-entry.
Image Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
After over 12 years of extensive planning, testing and operations the OSIRIS-REx mission team successfully returned pristine samples of asteroid Bennu to Earth! The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft safely deployed the sample return capsule (SRC) containing samples of asteroid Bennu early this morning, after which the primary spacecraft successfully performed a divert maneuver to avoid re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. The SRC on the other hand, successfully re-entered the atmosphere along its intended path, and after a successful parachute deployment, the capsule safely landed within the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR), where it was assessed and further transported by helicopter to an interim clean room facility nearby. The sample will soon be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where it will be stored and analyzed. The OSIRIS-REx navigation team at KinetX has provided flight dynamics services for OSIRIS-REx throughout the entire mission profile, and is extremely proud of the mission’s success! More information about today’s sample return activities can be found here.
