OSIRIS-REx

Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer

OSIRIS-REx
Operator	NASA
Major contractors	Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Mission type	Planetary science
Launch date	2016
Carrier rocket	TBA
Launch site	Kennedy Space Center
Mission duration	Seven years to sample return–secondary mission possible
Mission highlight	Asteroid sample return
Landing	2023[1]
Landing site	Utah Test and Training Range
Mass	1,529 kilograms (3,370 lb)[2]
Asteroid 1999 RQ36 landing
References: [3][4]

Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) is a planetary science mission, the third selected in the New Frontiers Program. The mission will study and return a sample of a carbonaceous asteroid to Earth for detailed analyses in about 2023. Material returned is expected to enable scientists to learn more about the time before the birth of our solar system, initial stages of planet formation, and the source of organic compounds which led to the formation of life. The team planning the mission will be staffed by a multi-generational team due to the long duration of the program.^{[5][dead link]} The cost of the mission will be approximately $800 million not including the launch vehicle which is expected to add an additional $200 million to the total.^[6]

Mission

The mission, developed by the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Lockheed Martin Space Systems, is planned for launch in 2016. After traveling for approximately three years, the spacecraft will rendezvous with asteroid 1999 RQ36 and begin six months of surface mapping at a distance of approximately 3 miles (4.8 km)^[3]. Results of that study will be used by the mission team to select the sample site and the gradual process of approaching, but not landing, and ultimately extending a pogo stick-like sample arm to gather the sample.^[7]

An asteroid was chosen as the target of study because asteroids are a "time capsule from the birth of our solar system" according to Jim Green, director of the Planetary Science Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. 1999 RQ36 was selected because of the availability of pristine carbonaceous material, a key element in organic molecules necessary for life as well as representative of matter from before the formation of Earth. Organic molecules have previously been found in meteorite and comet samples, indicating that some ingredients necessary for life can be created in space.^[3]

Following collection (from 60 grams to 2 kilograms, or 2.1 oz to 4.4 lb), the sample will be returned to Earth in a capsule similar to that which returned the samples of comet 81P/Wild on the Stardust spacecraft. The return trip to Earth will be shorter, allowing the sample to return and land at the Utah Test and Training Range in 2023. The capsule will then be transported to the Johnson Space Center for processing by a dedicated research facility.^[3]

Gallery

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  Illustration of OSIRIS-REx collecting a sample from asteroid 1999 RQ36

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  Sample return capsule from the Stardust mission

References

1. ^ NASA Preps Asteroid-Mining Spacecraft for 2014 Launch | News & Opinion | PCMag.com
2. ^ "NASA Plans Asteroid Sample Return". Aviation Week. http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/awst/2011/05/30/AW_05_30_2011_p32-327979.xml&headline=NASA%20Plans%20Asteroid%20Sample%20Return&channel=awst. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} "NASA To Launch New Science Mission To Asteroid In 2016". NASA. http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-163_New_Frontier.html. 
4. ^ "OSIRIS-REx Redacted Factsheet". NASA. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/pdf/552572main_OSIRIS_REx_Factsheet.pdf. 
5. ^ "OSIRIS-REx Mission Selected for Concept Development". Goddard Space Flight Center. http://gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov/ORIRIS.htm. 
6. ^ "NASA Aims to Grab Asteroid Dust in 2020". Science Magazine. 26 May 2011. http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/05/nasa-aims-to-grab-asteroid-dust.html?ref=hp. 
7. ^ "UA gets $1.2M to aid in asteroid mission". Tucson Citizen. 26 May 2011. http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue/2006/10/31/31046-ua-gets-1-2m-to-aid-in-asteroid-mission/.