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View Full Version : OSIRIS-REx to collect samples from asteroid.



GilpinGuy
10-20-2020, 07:55
This should be neat to see. Looks like they go live at 3:00.

https://youtu.be/A6K2dqCoin8

From the mission website (https://www.asteroidmission.org/asteroid-operations/):

OSIRIS-REx will use the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go-Sample-Acquisition-Mechanism) instrument to collect a sample of regolith from Bennu. TAGSAM is an articulated arm on the spacecraft with a round sampler head at the end. During the Touch-and-Go maneuver (TAG), the sampler head will be extended toward Bennu, and the momentum of the spacecraft?s slow, downward trajectory will push it against the asteroid?s surface for about five seconds?just long enough to obtain a sample. At contact, nitrogen gas will blow onto the surface to roil up dust and small pebbles, which will then be captured in the TAGSAM head.

Irving
10-20-2020, 08:09
The communication delay at this distance is 18 minutes, so it's all on autopilot. If something goes wrong, it has enough nitrogen for a total of three tries.

Sawin
10-20-2020, 09:23
I just watched a short video about the mapping of Bennu's surface, yesterday. It is extremely interesting! This sample retrieval effort will be a cool thing to watch. Saying there is tons of math and science involved is an understatement.

nighterfighter
10-20-2020, 18:09
A few years ago I got to go to one of the labs where they designed the extractor head, and look at some of the earlier prototypes. Really fascinating stuff, and I know a lot of people have been working up to this moment for years.

MrPrena
10-20-2020, 19:11
d/~c =t

Irving
10-20-2020, 19:16
Did it get done?

flogger
10-20-2020, 19:20
Dust in the wind?

Gman
10-20-2020, 19:27
It got done. Samples won't be available for analysis until 2023.

Duman
10-20-2020, 19:30
d/~c =t

Is that a fraction?

Irving
10-20-2020, 19:49
It got done. Samples won't be available for analysis until 2023.

Thanks.

Bailey Guns
10-20-2020, 20:51
d/~c =t

Uhhh... 7?

GilpinGuy
10-20-2020, 20:51
I got caught up with my daughters birthday party preps and couldn't see the feed. I hope it was interesting. I'll probably look for the recording later unless I hear it was a snoozer

kidicarus13
10-20-2020, 20:52
I couldn't find the money shot in the youtube video. Help?