Posts Tagged: thought

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission collected more Bennu asteroid samples than first thought

NASA has revealed that it has already processed 70.3 grams of rocks and dust collected by the OSIRIS-REx mission from asteroid Bennu. That means the mission has way exceeded its goal of bringing 60 grams of asteroid samples back to Earth — especially since NASA scientists have yet to open the primary sample container that made its way back to our planet in September. Apparently, they're struggling to open the mission's Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) and could not remove two of its 35 fasteners using the tools currently available to them. 

The scientists are processing the samples inside a specialized glovebox (pictured above) with a flow of nitrogen in order to keep them from being exposed to our atmosphere and any contaminants. They can't just use any implement to break the container's fasteners open either: The tool must fit inside the glovebox, and it also must not compromise the samples' integrity. NASA has sealed the primary container sample for now, while it's developing the procedure to be able to open it over the next few weeks. 

If you're wondering where the 70.3 grams of rocks and dust came from, well, NASA collected part of it from the external sample receptacle but outside TAGSAM itself. It also includes a small portion of the samples inside TAGSAM, taken by holding down its mylar flap and reaching inside with tweezers or a scoop. NASA's initial analysis of the material published earlier this month said it showed evidence of high carbon content and water, and further studies could help us understand how life on Earth began. The agency plans to continue analyzing and "characterizing" the rocks and dust it has already taken from the sample container, so we may hear more details about the samples even while TAGSAM remains sealed.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nasas-osiris-rex-mission-collected-more-bennu-asteroid-samples-than-first-thought-083605172.html?src=rss

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

I thought I’d hate the Galaxy Z Flip 5 — until I changed one thing

I’ve been using the Galaxy Z Flip 5 for a few weeks now, and I really, really love it. But it didn’t start out that way.
Digital Trends

I thought I would hate the Apple Watch Ultra, but I love it

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Digital Trends

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Digital Trends

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Mobile | Digital Trends

The Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 sound more boring than we thought

When the Apple Watch Series 8 arrives later this year, it may have a chipset that hasn’t been updated in two years.
Wearables | Digital Trends

Equifax breach may have exposed more data than first thought

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If you’ve thought about buying a Fitbit, now is a good time

Amazon is offering discounts of up to 25 percent on several Fitbit fitness tracker models during its Valentine’s Day sale. We’ve created a quick run-down of the discounted models to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

The post If you’ve thought about buying a Fitbit, now is a good time appeared first on Digital Trends.

Wearables–Digital Trends

Just For the Tech Of It: Monkey thought control, the ravages of microgravity

We discuss Scott Kelly’s return to Earth after 340 days in space, supersonic planes that don’t make sonic booms, and monkeys that can drive wheelchairs with nothing but a thought.

The post Just For the Tech Of It: Monkey thought control, the ravages of microgravity appeared first on Digital Trends.

Cool Tech–Digital Trends

Verizon quietly introduces the Samsung Galaxy Tab E, thought we wouldn’t notice

Verizon quietly introduced the Samsung Galaxy Tab E earlier today. Unfortunately, looking at the specifications and its $ 330 price tag, we’re inclined to believe there’s a good reason why Big Red didn’t make a big deal about the tablet.

The post Verizon quietly introduces the Samsung Galaxy Tab E, thought we wouldn’t notice appeared first on Digital Trends.

Android Army»Digital Trends