NASA’s Final Tally Shows Spacecraft Returned Double the Amount of Asteroid Rubble

Eight sample trays containing the final material from asteroid Bennu. Erika Blumenfeld and Joseph Aebersold/NASA via AP

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—NASA finally has counted up all the asteroid samples returned by a spacecraft last fall—and it’s double the rubble return goal.

Officials reported Thursday that the Osiris-Rex spacecraft collected 121.6 grams (4.29 ounces) of dust and pebbles from asteroid Bennu. That’s just over half a cup and the biggest cosmic haul ever from beyond the moon.