OSIRIS-REx

Nasa is preparing to commence integration of systems on the spacecraft for Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-Rex) mission.

The team completed system integration review at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Colorado, US for integrating systems on the spacecraft, including scientific instrumentation, electrical and communication systems, and navigation systems.

The move marks a key milestone for OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft assembly, test, and launch operations.

Assembly and testing for the spacecraft are scheduled to commence in April at Lockheed Martin facilities in Littleton, Nasa said.

"Planned for launch in September 2016, OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will travel to near-earth asteroid, Bennu, and bring a sample back to earth for study."

Planned for launch in September 2016, OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will travel to near-earth asteroid, Bennu, and bring a sample back to earth for study.

Analysing the sample will allow scientists to explore formation of planets, how life began and improve understanding of asteroids, which could impact earth.

The OSIRIS-REx mission is designed to address questions associated with the composition of the early solar system, source of organic materials and water on earth, and predict the orbits of asteroids.

OSIRIS-Rex’s mission management, systems engineering, safety and mission assurance will be provided by Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is providing the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter, a laser-based mapping system, which will create 3D maps of asteroid Bennu, and assist the mission team to select a site for the collection of a sample.

OSIRIS-REx is said to be the agency’s third mission in New Frontiers Program, which is managed by Nasa’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama.

Image: The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft core structure attached to a hydrazine propellant tank and boat tail assembly at Lockheed Martin’s Colorado facility. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.