OSIRIS-REx mission timeline
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Launch OSIRIS-REx launches at 7:05 pm ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on an Atlas V rocket. |
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Gravity assist with Earth After a year orbiting the Sun, OSIRIS-REx receives a "nudge" from Earth's gravity, sending it on its path to asteroid Bennu. |
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Approach phase begins About two million kilometres away from the asteroid, the spacecraft begins its approach phase. OSIRIS-REx sends its first pictures of Bennu back to Earth. |
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OSIRIS-REx surveys Bennu OSIRIS-REx arrives at Bennu. The spacecraft's instruments survey the asteroid, creating a 3D map of its surface features and shape. |
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Sample rehearsal The spacecraft performs flight paths designed to ensure that it can reach the sampling site safely. OSIRIS-REx rehearses its sampling manoeuvres. |
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OSIRIS-REx samples Bennu OSIRIS-REx deploys its Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), which touches down briefly on Bennu's surface and collects a sample. The collected material is safely stored in the sample return capsule. |
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Return cruise The spacecraft begins its journey back to Earth. |
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Sample delivery to Earth Just outside Earth's atmosphere, OSIRIS-REx releases the Sample Return Capsule for touchdown in the Utah Test and Training Range. The spacecraft sends itself into a stable orbit around the Sun. |
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| No earlier than |
Canadian sample arrival The Canadian portion of the sample is set to arrive at the John H. Chapman Space Centre (CSA headquarters). |