NASA Returns Samples Dating Back To Birth Of Solar System

Irene Klotz Mark Carreau Guy Norris September 29, 2023
Lockheed Martin OSIRIS recovery team

Lockheed Martin recovery team members Levi Hanish (left) and Michael Kaye loaded the Osiris-REx SRC into a cradle after touchdown on Sept. 24 in Utah.

Credit: Keegan Barber/NASA
When NASA’s Osiris-REx spacecraft plunged its robotic arm into the asteroid Bennu three years ago, scientists had a big surprise. Instead of stopping at the ground to gather samples, the collection device at the end of the arm passed down into what turned out to be a not very dense rubble pile...
Irene Klotz

Irene Klotz is Senior Space Editor for Aviation Week, based in Cape Canaveral. Before joining Aviation Week in 2017, Irene spent 25 years as a wire service reporter covering human and robotic spaceflight, commercial space, astronomy, science and technology for Reuters and United Press International.

Mark Carreau

Mark is based in Houston, where he has written on aerospace for more than 25 years. While at the Houston Chronicle, he was recognized by the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation in 2006 for his professional contributions to the public understanding of America's space program through news reporting.

Guy Norris

Guy is a Senior Editor for Aviation Week, covering technology and propulsion. He is based in Colorado Springs.

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