OSIRIS REx sets off to explore asteroid Bennu
Q. NASA has blasted off OSIRIS-REx robotic hunter in search of which asteroid on10th September 2016?- Published on 12 Sep 16a. Bennu
b. Cassini
c. Rosetta
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Bennu
NASA has sent a spacecraft chasing after an unexplored asteroid in hopes that it may prevent humans from being destroyed.
- OSIRIS REx robotic hunter blasted off to asteroid Bennu
- It will scoop up bits of ancient pace rock which can reveal how life originated as well as whether there is life elsewhere
- Bennu goes past Earth once every 6 years and comes so close in 150 years that it hits us eventually
- Odds are one tenth of 1 percent, but this is still considerable
- The rock itself could not destroy earth; but it will cause huge destruction
- Scientists will be able to learn more about mysterious asteroids by studying Bennu
- The spacecraft’s 10 ft (3m) arm which touch down like a pogo stick on the surface for three to give seconds. Nitrogen gas would shoot out to stir up the surface and let loose particles be sucked into the device.
- This is called the gentle high give
- There are just 3 shots at this before nitrogen gas runs out the effort is abandoned
- Team opted for touch and go procedure instead of landing to increase chances of success
- OSIRIS REx was named by 12 year old Mike Puzio of Greensboro, NC
