A Web Around Asteroid Bennu – Visualizations

This visualization begins with a top-down view of a high resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the Nightingale TAG sample site on Bennu. As the camera moves closer, data representing the surface height change pre-post TAG fades on. The surface height change as a result of the TAG event is represented by both a color map and by offsetting the original DTM to reveal the TAG crater. The DTM offset is applied to the surface region within ~7.5 meters of impact, which is highlighted for emphasis. With this color bar, yellows, greens, and blues represent a decrease in elevation, light red represents no change in elevation, and dark red represents an increase in elevation. Thruster marks and a region of ejected surface material are labeled. The camera does a 360 degree spin around the sample site before returning to a top-down view of the color-mapped data. || The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft arrived at near-Earth asteroid Bennu in December 2018. After studying the asteroid for nearly two years, the spacecraft successfully performed a Touch-And-Go (TAG) sample collection maneuver on October 20, 2020. The change in surface topography as a result of the sample collection maneuver is observed by comparing pre-TAG and post-TAG digital terrain models (DTM), revealing the newly-formed TAG crater. OSIRIS-REx will return its sample of Bennu to Earth in September 2023. || Same visualization as above, but without “Point of Impact,” and “Thruster Mark” labels || Still image - Top-down view of a high resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the Nightingale TAG sample site on Bennu. || Still image - Oblique view of the Nightingale TAG sample site with the TAG impact location labeled. || Still image - Oblique view of the TAG sample site with pre-post surface height change data represented by both a color map and by offsetting the original DTM to reveal the TAG crater. The DTM offset is only applied to the surface region within ~7.5 meters of impact, which is highlighted for emphasis. || Still image - Oblique view of the TAG sample site with pre-post surface height change data represented by both a color map and by offsetting the original DTM to reveal the TAG crater. The DTM offset is only applied to the surface region within ~7.5 meters of impact, which is highlighted for emphasis. Additional surface features resulting from TAG are labeled. || Still image - Top-down view of a high resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the Nightingale TAG sample site on Bennu with pre-post surface height change data.

3d model of asteroid Bennu with three data layers. Left to right - Albedo map with global image mosaic, carbon data, and false-color imagery. || This visualization of Bennu was selected for the cover of the November 6th special issue of Science. The image was created using high-resolution imagery and laser altimetry data from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Multiple data layers were wrapped to a detailed 3D model of the asteroid, representing just a few of the recent science results from the mission. More information about this issue of Science (as well as the final cover image) can be found here: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/370/6517 || 3d model of asteroid Bennu with albedo map and global image mosaic || 3d model of asteroid Bennu with carbon data || 3d model of asteroid Bennu with false-color imagery

This visualization depicts the OSIRIS-REx TAG on October 20, 2020. The OSIRIS-REx satellite is represented by an orange dot and trail. The visualization begins with the satellite’s departure from orbit and continues through the checkpoint, matchpoint, TAG, and backaway maneuvers. || On Oct. 20, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will perform the first attempt of its Touch-And-Go (TAG) sample collection event. This series of maneuvers will bring the spacecraft down to site Nightingale, a rocky area 52 ft (16 m) in diameter in Bennu’s northern hemisphere, where the spacecraft’s robotic sampling arm will attempt to collect a sample. Site Nightingale was selected as the mission’s primary sample site because it holds the greatest amount of unobstructed fine-grained material, but the region is surrounded by building-sized boulders. During the sampling event, the spacecraft, which is the size of a large van, will attempt to touch down in an area that is only the size of a few parking spaces, and just a few steps away from some of these large boulders.During the 4.5-hour sample collection event, the spacecraft will perform three separate maneuvers to reach the asteroid’s surface. The descent sequence begins with OSIRIS-REx firing its thrusters for an orbit departure maneuver to leave its safe-home orbit approximately 2,500 feet (770 meters) from Bennu s rotation at the time of contact. The spacecraft then descends to the surface, touches down for less than sixteen seconds and fires one of its three pressurized nitrogen bottles. The gas agitates and lifts Bennu’s surface material, which is then caught in the spacecraft’s collector head. After this brief touch, OSIRIS-REx fires its thrusters to back away from Bennu’s surface and navigates to a safe distance from the asteroid. || This is a closer view of the TAG, focusing on the checkpoint, matchpoint, TAG, and backaway maneuvers. White labels appear to highlight checkpoint and matchpoint. The TAG location is indicated with a marker that changes from white to green once the TAG has occurred. || This a closer view of the TAG in a Bennu-fixed reference frame. A thin green line shows the future trajectory of OSIRIS-REx down to the TAG site. White labels appear to highlight checkpoint and matchpoint maneuvers. The TAG location is indicated with a marker that changes from white to green once the TAG has occurred. || This is a view of the TAG event from the perspective of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The visualization begins with the satellite’s departure from orbit and continues through the checkpoint, matchpoint, TAG, and backaway maneuvers. || This is a view of the TAG event from the perspective of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The visualization begins with the satellite’s departure from orbit and continues through the checkpoint, matchpoint, TAG, and backaway maneuvers. This version is about four times slower than the previous version and includes more of the backaway. || This is a slower view of the TAG event from the perspective of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The visualization begins just after the checkpoint maneuver and continues through matchpoint, TAG, and backaway.

Quick link to the OSIRIS-REx team cheering after a successful TAG maneuver on Tuesday, Oct 20Quick link to B-ROLL for the live shotsClick here for OSIRIS-REx PRESS KITClick here for Latest releaseLatest release in Spanish.OSIRIS-REx poster COLLECTABLESWhy Bennu? 10 Reasons***NASA podcast that takes you inside the daring mission: to briefly reach out its mechanical arm and grab a sample from an asteroid’s surface. Dante Lauretta, Heather Enos, and Ron Mink introduce you to NASA’s asteroid hunter and what this sample return mission means for us here on Earth. || The OSIRIS-REx team celebrates after a sucessful TAG maneuver on Tuesday, Oct 20. Location: Littleton, CO

This first shot of the sequence begins with OSIRIS-REx’s arrival at the asteroid Bennu. A low resolution view of the asteroid is presented and thermal inertia data fades in, representing our initial understanding of the asteroid. The asteroid then spins quickly to serve as a transition to the second shot in the sequence. || When NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft arrived at asteroid Bennu in December 2018, its close-up images confirmed what mission planners had predicted nearly two decades before: Bennu is made of loose material weakly clumped together by gravity, and shaped like a spinning top. This major validation, however, was accompanied by a major surprise. Scientists had expected Bennu’s surface to consist of fine-grained material like a sandy beach, but instead OSIRIS-REx was greeted by a rugged world littered with boulders – the size of cars, the size of houses, the size of football fields.This video explores several interesting features of Bennu. The surface features are presented in vivid detail thanks to detailed terrain data from the OLA instrument and high resolution imagery from the PolyCam instrument. || This second shot in the sequence begins with a fast spinning Bennu, matching the end of the first shot in the sequence. As Bennu’s rotation decelerates, a highly detailed view of the asteroid is revealed using 20cm terrain elevation data (OLA) and high resolution imagery (PolyCam). The camera then zooms in and flys over several locations - Simurgh, Roc, Gargoyle, and Ocypete. Each of these locations are presented using 5cm terrain elevation tiles. || The third shot of the sequence begins with a dramatic reveal of BenBen, the tallest boulder on Bennu. The shot begins in darkness and sunlight sweeps across the surface of the asteroid. The camera rotates down to the horizon to show the height of the boulder before zooming over to a view of two boulders found to contain pyroxene. The camera then zooms back out to a global view and we see OSIRIS-REx in orbit around the asteroid.

The visualization begins with a rotating 3D model representation of the asteroid Bennu, created using data from the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) instrument. Four candidate sample sites (with labels) are highlighted with PolyCam images.Watch this video on the NASA Goddard YouTube channel. || OSIRIS-REx is a mission to study and map near-Earth asteroid Bennu. Its primary science objective is to collect a sample of Bennu in mid 2020 and return it to Earth in late 2023. In preparation, mission planners have identified four candidate sample sites on Bennu s rocky surface where OSIRIS-REx could briefly touch down to collect its sample. The mission will down-select to the final two sites – a primary and a backup – in December 2019. Like the mythological Bennu bird for which the asteroid is named, all of the candidate sample sites refer to birds that can be found in Egypt.Learn more about the candidate sample sites on Bennu. || An animated GIF of the asteroid Bennu with labels of the four candidate sites. || UNLABELED VERSIONThe visualization begins with a rotating 3D model representation of the asteroid Bennu, created using data from the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) instrument. Four candidate sample sites are highlighted with PolyCam images. || Print resolution (16k) still image of the candidate sample sites with labels. || Print resolution (16k) still image of the candidate sample sites without labels. || Pictured are the four candidate sample collection sites on asteroid Bennu selected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. Site Nightingale (top left) is located in Bennu’s northern hemisphere. Sites Kingfisher (top right) and Osprey (bottom left) are located in Bennu’s equatorial region. Site Sandpiper (bottom right) is located in Bennu’s southern hemisphere. In December 2019, one of these sites will be chosen for the mission’s touchdown event.Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona || Candidate Bennu sample site - OspreyInstrument Used: OCAMS (PolyCam) || Candidate Bennu sample site - KingfisherInstrument Used: OCAMS (PolyCam) || Candidate Bennu sample site - NightingaleInstrument Used: OCAMS (PolyCam) || Candidate Bennu sample site - SandpiperInstrument Used: OCAMS (PolyCam) || Visualization of a rotating 3D model representation of the asteroid Bennu, created using data from the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) instrument. || Global map of asteroid Bennu, showing the locations of the final four candidate sample sites.Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona || Candidate Sample Site Labels

Recorded audio from the OSIRIS-REx approach media teleconference on August 24, 2018, with accompanying presenter graphics. Individual graphics are available below.Watch this video on the NASA.gov Video YouTube channel. || NASA is hosting a media teleconference at 2 p.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 24, to provide an update on upcoming activities related to the agency’s first mission to return a sample of an asteroid to Earth.The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft, which launched on Sept. 8, 2016, started asteroid science operations last week, began imaging asteroid Bennu for the first time, and is now preparing to conduct the necessary approach maneuvers to rendezvous with Bennu on Dec. 3. The mission represents a valuable opportunity to learn more about the origins of our solar system, the sources of water and organic molecules on Earth, and the hazards and resources in near-Earth space. The briefing participants are:Lori Glaze, acting director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA HeadquartersDante Lauretta, OSIRIS-REx principal investigator at the University of Arizona, TucsonMichael Moreau, OSIRIS-REx flight dynamics system manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight CenterSandy Freund, OSIRIS-REx mission support area manager at Lockheed Martin SpaceFor more information, go to nasa.gov/osiris-rex or asteroidmission.org. || 1. Jones - OSIRIS-REx Approach Phase opening remarksCredit: NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center || 3. Moreau - Small bodies and asteroid Bennu to scaleCredit: NASA/University of Arizona/ESA/JAXA || 4. Moreau - Optical Navigation phasesCredit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona || 1. Freund - The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft at Lockheed MartinCredit: Lockheed Martin Space || 2. Freund - The OSIRIS-REx Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM)Credit: Lockheed Martin Space || 3. Freund - TAGSAM deployment test at Lockheed MartinCredit: Lockheed Martin Space || 4. Freund - TAGSAM deployment during Approach PhaseCredit: Lockheed Martin Space

B-roll and canned interviews to be added on Thursday, Sept 21OSIRIS is pronounced: O-Si-Ris || NASA s never been done before? 4.What will scientists do with the asteroid sample once it gets to Earth?5.How have previous missions helped NASA perfect the art of the gravity assist?6.Bennu is just one of hundreds of thousands of asteroids out there. How can studying asteroids keep us safe?Live Shot Details:Location: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/Greenbelt, MarylandScientists:Dr. Jim Garvin / NASA Goddard Chief Scientist Dr. Christina Richey / OSIRIS-REx Deputy Program ScientistDr. Michelle Thaller/ NASA Scientist || B-roll for OSIRIS-REx Live Shots on September 22nd, 2017 || Canned interview with NASA Scientist Dr. Michelle Thaller with graphics rolled into answers. Full transcript is included. Answers are separated by slates with the questions || Canned interview with NASA Goddard Chief Scientist Dr. Jim Garvin looking off camera. Includes full transcript. Answers are separated by slates with the questions on them. TRT 4:41 || Canned interview without graphics rolled into the answer. Scientist is NASA Scientist Dr. Michelle Thaller. TRT 3:51. Includes full transcript. Question slates separate the answers.

When OSIRIS-REx flies by Earth on September 22, 2017, it will use our planet s orbit and match the orbital tilt of its target. On September 22, 2017, OSIRIS-REx will approach Earth and fly over its southern hemisphere, passing within 11,000 miles of Antarctica. This gravitational slingshot will bend its trajectory by six degrees, sending the spacecraft on a path to intercept Bennu. Shortly after the flyby, OSIRIS-REx will look back at Earth and take images and spectra, ensuring that its instruments are ready for arrival at Bennu in 2018.Read more about the Earth gravity assist, or visit the NASA and University of Arizona mission websites. || OSIRIS-REx Earth gravity assist, Earth flyby. || OSIRIS-REx Earth gravity assist, slew maneuver. || OSIRIS-REx Earth gravity assist, instrument testing. || OSIRIS-REx Earth gravity assist, after the flyby.

OSIRIS-REx s liquid-fueled main engine, its 411 configuration includes a strap-on solid rocket booster and a Centaur upper stage. When the launch window opens on the evening of September 8, 2016, the Atlas V will lift OSIRIS-REx above the Florida coastline and propel it eastward over the night side of Earth. Fifty-nine minutes later, OSIRIS-REx will separate from the Centaur upper stage, point its solar arrays at the rising sun, and embark on its nearly two-year cruise to Bennu. || Launch from Kennedy Space Center. || Launch from Kennedy Space Center. || Launch from Kennedy Space Center. || Breaching through the clouds. || Solid rocket booster separation. || Main engine cutoff. || Launch vehicle before Stage 1 separation. || Main engine seperation || Centaur engine ignites || Fairing seperate from the Centaur || OSIRIS-REx seperates from the Centaur. || Solar panels deploy. || OSIRIS-REx departs Earth.

OSIRIS-REx approaches Bennu || After nine months in orbit around asteroid Bennu, OSIRIS-REx will begin the process of maneuvering closer to the surface in preparation of the sample collection event. Once the sample site has been selected, OSIRIS-REx will break from its polar orbit to practice three flyovers of the site at increasing proximities, eventually matching Bennu s soil. This will force loose dust, dirt, and rocks upward into the TAGSAM head, trapping the material inside. OSIRIS-REx will then weigh and stow the captured sample for return to Earth in 2023. || TAG Arm Deploy || TAG Arm Deploy Reverse || OSIRIS-REx desending to Bennu || OSIRIS-REx approach continued || TAGSAM getting closer || OSIRIS-REx almost there || Contact || OSIRIS-REx Pulls away || TAG Maneuver Interior Cutaway || OSIRIS-REx backs away from Bennu || Sample Verification OCAMS SamCam || Sample Verification OCAMS Sam Cam 2 || Sample Mass Measurement || Sample Stowage Sequence || Sample Stowage Sequence Closeup || OSIRIS-REx Stows the TAG Arm || Returning to Earth

Edited movie of mapping animations || OSIRIS-REx will spend over a year orbiting and mapping asteroid Bennu in preparation of the mission s main science goal – collecting a sample of Bennu for return to Earth in 2023. || OSIRIS-REx arrival at Bennu. || Bennu reveal. || Detailed survey of Bennu. || OSIRIS-REx mapping Bennu. || OSIRIS-REx flying over Bennu || OSIRIS-REx mapping Bennu

OSIRIS-REx returns to Earth with its sample of asteroid Bennu. After releasing the sample return capsule on September 24, 2023, the spacecraft will go into orbit around the Sun.Watch this video on the NASA.gov Video YouTube channel. || On September 24, 2023, OSIRIS-REx will return its sample of asteroid Bennu to Earth. The sample return capsule will detach from the spacecraft, perform an entry, descent and landing sequence, and touch down at the UTTR facility in Utah. The Bennu samples will be taken to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for curation, and will be studied by scientists around the world for decades to come. || SRC arrives back at Earth || SRC seperates from OSIRIS-REx || SRC heading towards Earth || SRC ReEntry || Heading towards landing site || Parachute deploys || SRC desending || Touchdown || Transport Sample || Open Capsule