In the exciting world of space exploration, NASA's latest caper involves a daring heist to bring an asteroid sample home. However, their mission is far from complete as they face the challenge of opening the sample container. Join me, Jennifer Smith, as I take you on a thrilling journey through the intricacies of this cosmic heist and the scientific hurdles that must be overcome.
The Intriguing Setup: A Crew of Nefarious Characters
Meet the crew behind the captivating caper
The 2022 animated film (streaming now) features a collection of nefarious anthropomorphic animal characters up to no good. The crew is comprised of Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Ms. Tarantula, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha, collectively known for a series of impressive heists.
Of course, any caper involves three important steps. First, you must get into position near your target (preferably unnoticed), next you must get your hands on the prize, and finally, you must get the prize back to a controlled environment where you can enjoy it unimpeded. This caper crew has succeeded in the first two steps, but is still working on that last bit.
NASA's Daring Heist: Bringing an Asteroid Sample Home
Unveiling the audacious plan of OSIRIS-REx
NASA’s heist was a caper of epic proportions, several years in the making, and we’re only now reaping the rewards. OSIRIS-REx launched in 2016 and spent years flying through space, cutting a path toward the asteroid.
Once there, it spotted its target, deftly dipped down to scoop up a piece of the asteroid, and turned toward home. During a flyby of Earth, the spacecraft dropped off the asteroid sample container before heading toward the asteroid Apophis. Scientists met the return capsule at its drop point in Utah’s West Desert and shipped the asteroid sample to Johnson Space Center in Houston.
There, they opened the first layer of the capsule and found coating some of the hardware. Fortunately, the material they’ve recovered so far measures in at 70.3 grams, more than the 60 grams NASA had planned to recover. Unfortunately, scientists have so far been unable to get at the main part of the sample.
The Challenging Lock: The TAGSAM Conundrum
Unraveling the complexities of the sample container
Bonus materials aside, the planned sample is inside the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) where it is safely kept separated from the rest of existence. The entire TAGSAM is being kept in a clean room at JSC where it is constantly flooded with a flow of nitrogen, a neutral gas intended to keep the sample uncontaminated.
The TAGSAM’s lid is kept in place with the sample locked behind it by 35 fasteners. Removing those fasteners must be achieved in the cleanroom, inside a glovebox, using only tools which have been approved for the project. With those limitations in place, the team has been unable to remove the last two fasteners and open the sample container.
Scientists are now working on new methods for removing the last two fasteners. In the meantime, they’ve begun work studying the sample materials they’ve already recovered. It’s a worthwhile reminder that capers are difficult, even when it happens here at home. It’s also a good reminder that your caper crew is only as good as its weakest link. It’s no good stealing a safe full of valuable gems if you can’t get the safe open.
The Race Against Time: Unlocking the Secrets of the Sample
Exploring the scientific challenges and potential breakthroughs
As scientists continue their efforts to open the sample container, they are faced with the challenge of preserving the integrity of the sample. The nitrogen-filled clean room at JSC provides a controlled environment, but the delicate nature of the sample requires careful handling.
While the team works on finding a solution, they have already begun analyzing the materials they were able to recover. This initial analysis has provided valuable insights into the composition of the asteroid and has sparked excitement in the scientific community.
With each passing day, the pressure mounts to unlock the secrets held within the sample. The scientific breakthroughs that await could revolutionize our understanding of the universe and pave the way for future space exploration.
Conclusion
In the thrilling world of space exploration, NASA's daring heist to bring an asteroid sample home has captivated our imaginations. While the challenge of opening the sample container remains, the scientific community eagerly awaits the breakthroughs that lie within.
Through the perseverance and ingenuity of the caper crew at NASA, we are reminded of the complexities and triumphs of scientific endeavors. The quest to unlock the secrets of the universe continues, and each step brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries of our cosmic surroundings.
FQA
Why is it taking so long to open the sample container?
Opening the sample container requires meticulous care and adherence to strict protocols. The cleanroom environment and delicate nature of the sample necessitate cautious handling. NASA scientists are working diligently to find a solution while ensuring the integrity of the sample.
What insights have been gained from the materials already recovered?
The initial analysis of the materials recovered from the sample has provided valuable insights into the composition of the asteroid. Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of its properties, sparking excitement and further exploration in the scientific community.
What are the potential scientific breakthroughs that could come from unlocking the sample?
Unlocking the secrets held within the sample could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. It has the potential to provide crucial information about the formation of asteroids, the origins of our solar system, and even the building blocks of life itself. The scientific breakthroughs that await have the power to reshape our knowledge and pave the way for future space exploration.