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Hypersonic Reentry: How OSIRIS-REx Transformed Space Science

The article from SciTechDaily discusses the groundbreaking achievements of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected a sample from the asteroid Bennu and returned it to Earth. The mission's reentry into Earth's atmosphere was particularly notable as it was the first time a U.S. spacecraft performed a hypersonic reentry at such high speeds, reaching up to 27,650 mph (44,500 kph). This event provided invaluable data on hypersonic flight, which is crucial for future space missions, including those to Mars. The sample capsule's reentry was meticulously planned to ensure its safe return, involving a complex sequence of maneuvers to slow down and land safely in Utah. The mission not only advanced our understanding of asteroid materials but also contributed significantly to the study of hypersonic aerodynamics, offering insights into how materials withstand extreme conditions. This knowledge is pivotal for designing future spacecraft capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of space travel and reentry.

Read the Full SciTech Daily Article at:
[ https://scitechdaily.com/hypersonic-reentry-how-osiris-rex-transformed-space-science/ ]