Spacecraft makes 'unexpected' discoveries about asteroid Bennu

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Updated 1826 GMT (0226 HKT) March 19, 2019

On October 21, NASA released images captured by cameras on the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft showing its successful and historic touchdown on the asteroid Bennu.
Photos: OSIRIS-REx will take a sample of asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth
On October 21, NASA released images captured by cameras on the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft showing its successful and historic touchdown on the asteroid Bennu.
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This image shows the moment the spacecraft briefly used its robotic arm to touch the surface of Bennu, crushing porous rocks in the process.
Photos: OSIRIS-REx will take a sample of asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth
This image shows the moment the spacecraft briefly used its robotic arm to touch the surface of Bennu, crushing porous rocks in the process.
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The spacecraft fired a pressurized nitrogen bottle, using the gas to lift the disturbed material and pebbles so it could collect them as a sample.
Photos: OSIRIS-REx will take a sample of asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth
The spacecraft fired a pressurized nitrogen bottle, using the gas to lift the disturbed material and pebbles so it could collect them as a sample.
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NASA's OSIRIS-REx touched down on asteroid Bennu on October 20. This illustration shows the spacecraft approaching the asteroid.
Photos: OSIRIS-REx will take a sample of asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth
NASA's OSIRIS-REx touched down on asteroid Bennu on October 20. This illustration shows the spacecraft approaching the asteroid.
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This mosaic image of Bennu is composed of 12 images collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from a range of 15 miles (24 kilometers).
Photos: OSIRIS-REx will take a sample of asteroid Bennu and return it to Earth
This mosaic image of Bennu is composed of 12 images collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from a range of 15 miles (24 kilometers).
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