At the Johnson Space Center, the team processing NASA’s asteroid Bennu sample has successfully collected 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of rocks and dust, surpassing the agency’s goal of 60 grams.
The collected sample includes material found on the outside and inside of the sampler head, accessed through its mylar flap. Additional material is yet to be collected from inside the sampler head, known as the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM).
The team faced challenges in removing two of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head but has been working on new methods to safely extract the remaining material.
All sample processing is done in a specialized glovebox filled with nitrogen to maintain the sample’s pristine condition.
The material collected comes from two different sets: one from the surface of Bennu and another from up to 19 inches below the surface.
While developing a new procedure to access the final portion of the sample, the team has stored the TAGSAM head in a stable, nitrogen-rich environment to keep it safe.
Photo credit: NASA
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