This Week @NASA: Landmark Asteroid Sample Return and Frank Rubio’s Year of Scientific Exploration
Tracking a momentous mission’s return to Earth…
A year dedicated to scientific research aboard the International Space Station…
And the successful arrival of the station’s latest astronaut resident…
Here are a few of the noteworthy stories we have to share with you in This Week at NASA!
Monitoring NASA’s Inaugural Asteroid Sample Return Mission
The conclusion of NASA’s pioneering asteroid sample return mission, OSIRIS-REx, is drawing near. On September 24, as the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft approaches Earth, it will release a capsule containing approximately 8.8 ounces of samples collected from the Bennu asteroid. Following a landing assisted by parachutes in the Utah desert, the capsule will be retrieved and eventually transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for examination within a meticulously maintained curation facility. The sample’s grand unveiling is scheduled for a live televised NASA press conference on October 11.
Frank Rubio’s Year of Scientific Endeavor in Space
September 21 marked a complete year in space for NASA astronaut Frank Rubio. Since his arrival at the International Space Station (ISS), he has been actively involved in numerous experiments. These include an investigation into growing tomatoes using water-based and air-based techniques instead of traditional soil, a study that could pave the way for in-space 3D printing of functional human organs for potential transplants, and much more. Rubio is set to return to Earth on September 27, concluding a U.S. record-breaking 371-day stay in space.
Loral O’Hara Joins Space Station for Scientific Expedition
On September 15, NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara, along with two cosmonauts, safely arrived at the space station, elevating the station’s population to 10 individuals. This six-month sojourn on the orbital outpost marks O’Hara’s maiden spaceflight.
NASA Launches Inaugural Season of Spanish-language Podcast
In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are introducing fresh content for Universo curioso de la NASA, NASA’s premier Spanish-language podcast. The first season, comprised of five episodes, commenced on September 19, with subsequent episodes scheduled for weekly release. For additional information about Universo curioso de la NASA and other NASA podcasts, please visit nasa.gov/podcasts.
That summarizes the highlights for this week @NASA!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NASA missions
What is the OSIRIS-REx mission mentioned in the text?
The OSIRIS-REx mission is NASA’s first-ever asteroid sample return mission. It involves collecting material from asteroid Bennu and returning it to Earth.
Who is Frank Rubio, and what has he been doing in space?
Frank Rubio is a NASA astronaut who spent a year in space at the International Space Station (ISS). During his mission, he conducted various experiments, including growing tomatoes and studying genetic expression in microbes.
Who is Loral O’Hara, and what is her role in the space station mission?
Loral O’Hara is a NASA astronaut who recently arrived at the space station, increasing the station’s resident population. This marks her first spaceflight, and she is part of a scientific expedition.
What is “Universo curioso de la NASA,” and why was it released?
“Universo curioso de la NASA” is NASA’s first Spanish-language podcast. It was released in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and aims to provide Spanish-speaking audiences with engaging content about NASA’s work and discoveries.
When will the samples collected by OSIRIS-REx be unveiled to the public?
The samples collected by OSIRIS-REx are scheduled to be unveiled during a live televised NASA news conference on October 11.
More about NASA missions
- NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission
- Frank Rubio’s Year in Space
- Loral O’Hara’s Space Mission
- Universo Curioso de la NASA Podcast
