The sample taken by the NASA probe Osiris-Rex from the asteroid Bennu is sufficient according to initial findings. Recordings showed that the minimum requirement of 50 grams of dust and debris had been met, said the US space agency Nasa on Saturday night with.

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According to the pictures, it is even so much that the lid of the collecting container is easily pried open by larger stones. Therefore, the focus is now on storing the sample safely.

Inspiration for decades “Bennu continues to surprise us with great science – and also with a few hurdles,” said NASA manager Thomas Zurbuchen. “But even if we have to move on to stowing the sample faster now, that’s not a bad problem. We’re so excited to have what looks like a sufficient sample that science can continue to use for decades after this historic one Moment will inspire. ”

Osiris-Rex: Images of the asteroid Bennu (7 images) (Image: NASA / Goddard / University of Arizona) Osiris-Rex was the first US missile to take a sample from an asteroid during a complicated maneuver lasting several hours on Wednesday night. It should be sent back to Earth in around three years. Immediately after the maneuver, however, it was not yet clear whether the sample taken was usable and sufficient. For this, the probe first had to send further data to earth.