The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft acronym stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer. "Security" means that scientists are trying to assess if asteroid Bennu is a threat to crash into the Earth during a series of close passes in the 2180-2250 time frame.
Read MoreWhat's Next as OSIRIS-REx Approaches Asteroid Bennu
After travelling for over 23 months, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has begun an approach phase to rendezvous with asteroid Bennu. Here are key milestones between now and the December 31, 2018 orbital insertion around Bennu:
Read MoreSuccessful Milestone: OSIRIS-REx Takes Its First Photo of Asteroid Bennu
Launched on September 8, 2016, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft began its approach phase to asteroid Bennu on August 17, 2018. The photograph shows Bennu as a point of light and was taken from 1,358,459 miles away.
Read MoreThree Goals of Parker Solar Probe
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER: Launched yesterday morning, the Parker Solar Probe begins a 7 year mission to study the Sun. The first milestone is eight weeks away when the probe uses its instruments to study Venus.
Read MoreStunning, full color photo book covering every east coast launch spanning 2014-2015, including the first-ever powered landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
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