LPL Spotlight Stories
Successful Second Rehearsal Puts OSIRIS-REx on Path to Asteroid Sample Collection
During its final practice run in preparation for sample collection at asteroid Bennu, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft approached the surface closer than ever before.
Mapping the Solar System: From the Moon to Bennu
The University of Arizona has played a role in imaging and mapping most major objects in the solar system. Now, it adds the asteroid Bennu to the list. The Bennu Global Mosaic, as the complete map of the asteroid is called, is the highest resolution map of any celestial body.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx Discovers Sunlight Can Crack Rocks on Asteroid Bennu
The spacecraft of the LPL-led OSIRIS-REx mission has documented the first direct evidence of erosion driven by harsh temperatures between daytime and nighttime. Evidence of thermal fracturing on the asteroid can help scientists learn about the geologic history not only on Bennu, but on other planetary surfaces as well.
Asteroids Bennu and Ryugu May Have Formed Directly From Collision in Space
Scientists from the OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 teams have a new theory about why the asteroids Bennu and Ryugu have their signature "spinning-top" shapes.
OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Collection Set for October 20
The new date allows the team more time to assess Bennu's unexpectedly rugged terrain. The event will mark NASA's first-ever asteroid sample collection.
UArizona Cameras Capture Asteroid Close-Up During OSIRIS-REx Rehearsal
The spacecraft of the LPL-led OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission executed a series of maneuvers that brought it within a mere 200 feet of its designated sampling location on the surface of Bennu.
A Martian Mash Up: Meteorites Tell Story of Mars' Water History
LPL researchers probed Martian meteorites to reconstruct Mars’ chaotic history. Their findings suggest that Mars might not have had a global magma ocean.
What Makes Saturn's Upper Atmosphere So Hot
New mapping of the giant planet's upper atmosphere reveals a likely reason why it's so hot.
UArizona-Led Mission to Io Selected as Finalist for NASA Discovery Program
If selected as the winner, the spacecraft mission to Jupiter's volcanic, vibrant moon will determine whether a magma ocean lurks beneath its surface.
X Marks the Spot: NASA Selects Site for Asteroid Sample Collection
The OSIRIS-REx mission team evaluated data from four candidate sites in order to identify site Nightingale as the best option for the sample collection, with site Osprey named as the backup.