NASA Readies for Historic Arrival of First Samples Taken From an Asteroid While in Space

An illustration depicts the Osisris-Rex spacecraft near the asteroid Bennu.Conceptual Image Lab/Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA via AP

For the first time in its history, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) prepares for the arrival of first samples of an asteroid collected in space.

Nicknamed Osiris-Rex—the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer—is scheduled to complete its mission on Sunday morning (Sept. 24), bringing home a sample of the celestial body known as Bennu.