# @nasa on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/BKHwTOKAUjD
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/11736511-nasa-instagram
- **Posted:** 2016-09-09T04:06:55.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** NASA (@NASA) — https://gondola.cc/NASA

## Caption

LIFTOFF! Our OSIRIS-REx spacecraft begins its journey to asteroid Bennu and back! Our first asteroid sampling mission launched into space at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday from Florida, beginning a mission that could revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system. In 2018, OSIRIS-REx will approach Bennu – which is the size of a small mountain – and begin an intricate dance with the asteroid, mapping and studying Bennu in preparation for sample collection. In July 2020, the spacecraft will perform a daring maneuver in which its 11-foot arm will reach out and perform a five-second “high-five” to stir up surface material, collecting at least 2 ounces (60 grams) of small rocks and dust in a sample return container. OSIRIS-REx will return the sample to Earth in September 2023 for examination.

Credit: NASA

#nasa #space #osirisrex #bennu #asteroid #nasabeyond #science

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## Tags

osirisrex, bennu, nasabeyond, science, nasa, space, asteroid

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