NASA spacecraft sent asteroid rubble flying in sample grab

NASA spacecraft sent asteroid rubble flying in sample grab

3 years ago
Anonymous $RGO3jP_V_c

https://apnews.com/d4c17758985be3a3b9d2e10e94bffaae

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA's Osiris-Rex spacecraft crushed rocks and sent rubble flying as it briefly touched an asteroid, a strong indication that samples were collected for return to Earth, officials said Wednesday.

Scientists won't know until next week how much was gathered at asteroid Bennu — they want at least a handful of the cosmic rubble. But close-up pictures and video of Tuesday's touch-and-go operation raised hopes that goal was achieved.