OSIRIS-REx
OSIRIS-APEX (‘APophis EXplorer’) is an ongoing mission (as of 2024). It is the extension of OSIRIS-REx, that was a NASA asteroid-study and sample-return mission.
- In 2023, the OSIRIS-REx mission was completed (or finished).
Acronym: OSIRIS-REx stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer.
The mission from 2016 to 2023
The OSIRIS-REx mission collected samples from 101955 Bennu, a carbonaceous near-Earth asteroid, and returned the samples to earth in September 2023.
The material returned is expected to enable scientists to learn more about the formation and evolution of the Solar System, its initial stages of planet formation, and the source of organic compounds that led to the formation of life on Earth.
The mission was completed, when the Sample Return Capsule was recovered.
Landing date: Sample Return Capsule: September 24, 2023
Landing site of capsule: Utah Test and Training Range
OSIRIS-REx is the first United States spacecraft to return samples from an asteroid.
OSIRIS-APEX
After dropping off its sample to Earth on 24 September 2023, the mission OSIRIS-REx became OSIRIS-APEX (‘APophis EXplorer’).
In 2029, the spacecraft is supposed to start observations of (Apophis or) 99942 Apophis.
Mission duration
Counting the years and months of the first and second missions: 8 September 2016 23:05 (elapsed)
The first mission: 7 years (planned) at asteroid (actual)
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