MISSION 2
|
|
As OSIRIS-REx approaches the asteroid, it will use an array of small rocket thrusters to match the velocity of Bennu in its orbit around the Sun.
The rendezvous requires OSIRIS-REx to reach the asteroid at the same location as the asteroid and at the same time the asteroid gets to that location. It must also move at the same speed and in the same direction as the asteroid. Bennu travels around the sun at an average speed of 63,000 mph. To reach Bennu, OSIRIS-REx will perform a series of braking maneuvers, slowing down by 0.53 km/s (1,186 mph), resulting in a relative approach velocity of 20 cm/s (~0.45 mph). |
During the asteroid encounter, OSIRIS-REx is formation flying with Bennu. A survey of the asteroid begins in October 2018 and will last for over a year. It includes four major phases:
|
NEXT MISSIONS
The program is dedicated to
kids from 8 to 14 years old
Check out the next dates
March 30 and 31
April 14 and 15 Astronaut Museum 308 Pine St, Titusville, FL 32796, USA February 23 and 24 April 6 and 7
May 11 and 12 June 8 and 9 KSCIA Space Lab 505 Odyssey Way - Merritt Island 32953 |
|