Subscribe now

Space

NASA spacecraft OSIRIS-REx set to start mission at asteroid Bennu

By Leah Crane

1 December 2018

Asteroid 101955 Bennu

OSIRIS-REx will attempt to bring samples back from asteroid Bennu

NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona

“Bennu or bust” is one of the slogans of the OSIRIS-REx mission, and “bust” is officially off the table. On 3 December, the NASA spacecraft will arrive at its destination, the asteroid Bennu, after a two billion kilometre journey that took about two years.

“This is a milestone for our spacecraft team, because now we’re not just approaching Bennu, closing in on it, we’re at a part of the mission where we need to think about how we’re going to manoeuvre around the object,” says Daniella DellaGiustina,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop