NASA is about to play 'tag' with asteroid Bennu: Here's how it works. - Space.com

NASA's OSIRIS-REx is about to sample asteroid Bennu.

NASA's OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft will "TAG" asteroid Bennu Tuesday (Oct. 20) and collect a sample for return to Earth. .

The "touch-and-go" (TAG) sample collection attempt involves a series of maneuvers that will bring the spacecraft down to the asteroid's surface.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will perform three separate maneuvers to reach the asteroid's surface.

In the event that the first TAG attempt is not successful, the spacecraft is equipped with backup pressurized nitrogen canisters, which will allow for additional sample collection attempts.

(60 grams) of fine-grained material from the asteroid's surface, which will be the largest sample return from space since the Apollo program, according to NASA. .

The OSIRIS-REx team has also studied Nightingale to identify areas within the sample site that could potentially harm the spacecraft.

A hazard map of the site was developed and programmed into the spacecraft's navigation system, so that if the NFT system detects a dangerous landmark, the spacecraft will autonomously back away from the asteroid.

If all goes according to plan during collection, the team will verify the sample by taking a picture of the TAGSAM head to see if it contains surface material

However, if a sufficient sample was not collected, the spacecraft will be able to make two more attempts, according to the video. 

"It is really exciting to know that we are finally going to be able to touch the surface of the asteroid and collect a sample to return back to Earth," Castro said.