OSIRIS-REx TAG

[efaardvark]

“The TAGSAM head performed the sampling event in optimal conditions. Newly available analyses show that the collector head was flush with Bennu’s surface when it made contact and when the nitrogen gas bottle was fired to stir surface material. It also penetrated several centimeters into the asteroid’s surface material. All data so far suggest that the collector head is holding much more than 2 ounces of regolith.”

 

So much in fact that the plastic flap that was supposed to close and seal the sample inside is stuck open, leaking the material that was collected inside the TAGSAM head.

There was no hard deceleration on impact either.  The surface material at least is extremely loosely bound together.  Someone at work said it was like hitting a big, fluffy pillow full of gravel.   

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-s-osiris-rex-spacecraft-collects-significant-amount-of-asteroid