NASA's OSIRIS-REx Probe Delivers Long-Awaited Asteroid Samples to Earth

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is set to release a capsule containing 8.8 ounces of rock and dust from asteroid Bennu over the Utah desert this week, marking the first time NASA has brought back an asteroid sample to Earth. Scientists are eager to study the sample, as it could contain materials dating back to the earliest days of the solar system and organic molecules that may have helped seed life on Earth. After the delivery, OSIRIS-REx will continue its mission and head towards the asteroid Apophis, scheduled to arrive in 2029.