"NASA Uncovers Black Dust and Debris from Asteroid Sample Canister"
TL;DR
NASA has opened the lid of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return capsule and found "black dust and debris" inside, likely from the asteroid Bennu. The capsule has brought back approximately 250 grams of pristine material, making it the largest collection of cosmic material from beyond the Moon. The next step is to disassemble the Touch and Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) to reveal the sample, which will be done with precision to avoid contact with the material. NASA will livestream the disassembly process and sample reveal on October 11.
- "Black Dust And Debris": NASA Opens Lid Of Asteroid Sample Capsule IFLScience
- Scientists just opened the lid to NASA’s asteroid sample canister Ars Technica
- Likely asteroid debris found upon opening of returned NASA probe Yahoo News
- A far-off asteroid brought to life in 3D BBC
- NASA reveals the contents of the asteroid sample canister Interesting Engineering
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