NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission and Bennu Findings

In October 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission performed a mission-critical operation on the asteroid Bennu, collecting samples that were returned to Earth in September 2023. These samples are being studied to understand the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth.

Key Discoveries from Bennu

• Amino Acids and RNA Components
  • Studies revealed the presence of amino acids and molecules required to form RNA.
  • Ribose (a sugar molecule in RNA) and glucose (important for metabolism) were found.
  • This supports the 'RNA world hypothesis,' suggesting early life used RNA for genetic and catalytic functions.
• Presence of Supernova Dust
  • An unexpected abundance of presolar grains and supernova dust was found, indicating materials from before the sun formed.
  • The concentration of these grains is six-times higher than in other asteroid samples.
• Complex Chemical Reactions
  • NASA scientists discovered polymers of nitrogen- and oxygen-rich materials, termed carbamate, on Bennu.
  • This material could have formed through chemical reactions between ices on the asteroid.

Impact on Theories of Life's Origin

The discoveries on Bennu reinforce the theory that life's building blocks, including sugars and amino acids, may have been delivered to Earth by asteroids. The presence of nitrogen-rich polymers suggests that extraterrestrial bodies like Bennu could have provided essential components for the emergence of life.

Formation and Journey of Bennu

• Bennu formed from the debris of a larger asteroid that originated beyond Saturn and was moved to its current orbit between Earth and Mars.
• The asteroid is part of the Apollo group, whose orbits intersect Earth's at two points.

Scientific Collaborations and Future Exploration

• NASA collaborated with scientists from Japan's space agency, drawing from experience with asteroids Itokawa and Ryugu.
• Future studies aim to further explore the chemical composition and formation history of Bennu.

Overall, the findings from Bennu provide significant insights into the building blocks of life and the early solar system, raising important questions about the origins of life and the unique characteristics of asteroids like Bennu.