The capsule containing samples from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission was observed shortly after its descent and landing in the desert at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range on September 24, 2023. The specimens were gathered from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020 via NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Attribution: NASA/Keegan Barber
NASA’s inaugural mission for asteroid sample retrieval has successfully returned to Earth…
An unparalleled length of time in space has been completed by a NASA astronaut…
Furthermore, the Artemis II mission is advancing through its prelaunch preparations…
These are among the significant stories for this week at NASA.
Table of Contents
NASA’s Debut Asteroid Sample Retrieval Mission Concludes
On September 24, the capsule from the OSIRIS-REx mission, containing rock and dust particles from asteroid Bennu, completed its landmark journey back to Earth, culminating NASA’s initial mission to return samples from an asteroid.
“The OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule has successfully touched down.”
The day following the landing, the capsule was transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The samples within the capsule will be meticulously preserved, stored, and disseminated to the global scientific community.
Record-Breaking NASA Astronaut Comes Home
September 27 marked another momentous return from outer space, this time involving NASA astronaut Frank Rubio.
Frank Rubio spent an unprecedented 371 days in space, setting a new record for the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut, and safely landed in Kazakhstan along with two other crew members.
“Rubio’s extended sojourn in space concludes.”
The duration of Rubio’s mission offers researchers valuable insights into the impact of extended spaceflight on human physiology.
Advancements in Artemis II Mission
At NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, engineers and technicians from NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Boeing have successfully integrated all four RS-25 engines to the core stage of NASA’s Artemis II mission’s rocket.
Additionally, the astronauts slated for the Artemis II mission have recently finalized the initial set of integrated ground system tests at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
The forthcoming Artemis II mission, a crewed lunar flyby, is NASA’s first crewed endeavor under the Artemis program.
Upcoming October 14 “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse Preview
A “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse will occur on October 14, traversing the United States from Oregon to Texas. Unlike a total eclipse, an annular eclipse leaves a luminous ring of the Sun visible, as the Moon is too distant to fully obscure the Sun. More information about eclipses can be found at solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses.
This summarizes the notable developments this week at NASA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NASA Developments
What are the key highlights of this week at NASA?
The key highlights include the successful return of the OSIRIS-REx sample capsule from asteroid Bennu, a record-setting 371-day spaceflight by NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, advancements in the Artemis II mission, and an upcoming “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse.
What is significant about the OSIRIS-REx mission?
The OSIRIS-REx mission marks NASA’s first successful retrieval of samples from an asteroid. The capsule, containing rock and dust particles from asteroid Bennu, touched down on Earth on September 24, 2023. The samples are to be carefully stored, analyzed, and shared with the scientific community worldwide.
Who set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut?
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio set a new U.S. record by completing a 371-day mission in space. He safely returned to Earth on September 27, 2023, along with two other crew members. The extended duration of his mission provides valuable data on the effects of long-term spaceflight on human physiology.
What is the current status of the Artemis II mission?
The Artemis II mission is making significant prelaunch progress. All four RS-25 engines have been structurally integrated onto the rocket’s core stage at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Additionally, the astronauts assigned to the Artemis II mission have completed the first in a series of integrated ground system tests.
What is special about the upcoming annular solar eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse, commonly known as a “ring of fire” eclipse, is set to occur on October 14. It will traverse the United States from Oregon to Texas. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse leaves a bright ring of the Sun visible as the Moon is too distant to fully cover the Sun.
Where can more information about solar eclipses be found?
More information about solar eclipses, including the upcoming “ring of fire” eclipse, can be found at solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses.
More about NASA Developments
- NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission
- NASA Astronaut Records
- Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility
- Annular Solar Eclipses
8 comments
the Artemis program keeps making strides. Those RS-25 engines are no joke, kudos to the engineers and techs workin hard on this.
Frank Rubio is a real hero. 371 days is a long time to be away from Earth. gotta appreciate the sacrifices these astronauts make.
where can i get more info on this ‘ring of fire’ eclipse? sounds like a good time to be an amateur astronomer!
So excited for the Artemis II. The moon here we come again. i can’t wait to see how it all unfolds 🙂
OSIRIS-Rex was a success, eh? Brilliant work NASA, collecting samples from an asteroid, thats next level. wonder what they’ll find in those samples.
An annular eclipse is coming? Better get my solar viewing glasses ready. I missed the last one, not this time!
Wow, this is groundbreaking stuff! A 371-day space mission, that’s just mindblowing. What are the long term impacts of this gonna be for future missions?
Good article, but i wish there was more technical info on the Osiris mission. Like, how exactly did they manage to capture the samples? would love to know more.