NASA Spacecraft Orbits Bennu-The Smallest Object Ever

Anita - Jan 04, 2019

OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully circled asteroid Bennu. Never before has a spacecraft from Earth orbited so close to such a small space object.

Two space missions have marked the major milestones on the occasion of new year. However, there is only one mission dealing in human being’s survival.

The spacecraft visiting asteroid of NASA, named OSIRIS-Rex, performed its thruster burn lasting eight seconds which helps it to enter Bennu’s orbit. Bennu is currently the smallest asteroid for a spacecraft to move around, with its diameter of 1,600 feet.

OSIRIS-REx started its journey to Bennu in May 2016. It has reached its target since the beginning of last month. In a press release of the OSIRIS-Rex team, it is reported that OSIRIS-Rex will move around Bennu with a distance of one mile from its center.

It is such hard work for a spacecraft to circle a small object like Bennu. Asteroids are said to have uneven and slight gravitational fields. The scientists of OSIRIS-Rex did not have a thoroughly planned final orbit until they reached Bennu. Then, the spacecraft did a fly-by around this asteroid several times to study for the preparation and implementation of the insertion. It is needed for the team to continue the spacecraft's adjustment so that it can stay in orbit.

Reaching a new object in the solar system is always exciting. The two space missions marked important milestones at the New Year’s Eve and the first day of this year. They are OSIRIS Rex for Bennu’s orbit and New Horizons for the discovery of the farthest object in the solar system called Ultima Thule (the Kuiper Belt Object (486958) 2014 MU69).

Image 6345 1e Bennu — OSIRIS-REx mission to reach Bennu's orbit

However, only OSIRIS-REx is related to the life on the Earth as secrets of Earth's existence could lie in the asteroids. Precious metals or water might be contained in asteroids, which could be exploited for the space travel someday. Bennu is on a list of objects with dangerous risks to the Earth life, therefore it is necessary to carry out researches about its small size and the trajectories in the future. OSIRIS-REx will be responsible for these tasks.

Bennu will continue to be studied by science from now. OSIRIS-REx will help make 3D models, which will assist the scientists in preparing for the landing to the surface of the asteroid to collect samples by 2020. The spacecraft is planned to come back the Earth by 2023.