NASA’s OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample returns to Earth: Live updates

OSIRIS-REx one week after the asteroid sample return

NASA is just one week away from the epic landing of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return capsule, filled with pieces of the asteroid Bennu. The landing, which is on track for September 24, 2023, will mark the end of OSIRIS-REx’s 7-year primary mission that began with a launch in 2016 and sample collection on Bennu in October 2020.

Scientists are excited, but also nervous, as they prepare for OSIRIS-REx’s return to Earth. The spacecraft will crash into Earth’s atmosphere, protected by a heat shield, and reach speeds of 27,000 mph before deploying the main and parachutes to slow itself to a more manageable speed of 10 mph.

As NASA prepares for the OSIRIS-REx landing, check out our latest coverage below and stay tuned for daily updates leading up to the landing itself!

The OSIRIS-REx asteroid probe is heading toward Earth to deliver the sample on September 24
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx probe set itself on its way toward Earth by firing its thruster on Sept. 10, two weeks before delivering the highly anticipated asteroid sample.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission almost went quiet, then Queen guitarist Brian May intervened
The mission’s ultimate success was due in part to Queen’s guitarist, Brian May, who meticulously created 3D images of the rubble pile to help mission leaders determine safe landing spots.

NASA is conducting a crucial drop test before the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample arrives on September 24
The OSIRIS-REx team conducted a crucial drop test on Wednesday (August 30), practicing what they will do when the mission’s real asteroid sample returns home on September 24.

OSIRIS-REx Science Chief Reveals NASA’s First Asteroid Sampling Mission Almost Didn’t Succeed (Exclusive Interview)
Dante Lauretta, chief scientist for NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, talks about the unexpected challenges of NASA’s first attempt to sample asteroids in an exclusive interview.