NASA technicians have successfully removed two stuck fasteners from the sample return capsule of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, allowing access to the bulk of the asteroid sample material collected during its historic mission. The spacecraft landed in Utah in September 2023, becoming the first in U.S. history to return samples from an asteroid. The capsule contained rocks and dust gathered from the asteroid Bennu.

Initially, scientists were able to access 70.3 grams (2.48 ounces) of material from the outside of the sampler head, surpassing the mission's goal by an additional 10 grams. However, due to the presence of two stuck fasteners, the majority of the asteroid sample remained trapped inside the capsule. The fasteners could not be removed using existing tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox, which ensures sample integrity.

In response to this challenge, NASA researchers developed innovative new tools that could tackle the stubborn fasteners. The team created custom-fabricated bits made from a surgical-grade, non-magnetic stainless steel, the hardest metal approved for use in the curation gloveboxes. These tools were rigorously tested in a rehearsal lab to ensure they could achieve the necessary torque without causing damage to the TAGSAM head or contaminating the samples.

Eileen Stansbery, division chief for ARES (Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science) at NASA, expressed her admiration for the team's dedication and innovation. "Our engineers and scientists have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for months to resolve this challenge," she stated. "The remaining treasure that OSIRIS-REx holds is incredibly exciting, and we look forward to exploring it further."

With the successful removal of the stuck fasteners, researchers can now proceed with the analysis and study of the remaining asteroid sample material. The samples collected from Bennu are expected to provide valuable insights into the formation of our solar system and may hold clues to the origins of life on Earth.

This significant milestone marks another achievement for NASA's asteroid exploration efforts, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance of the space agency's dedicated team.