NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft executed its second Asteroid Approach Maneuver (AAM-2). The spacecraft's main engine thrusters fired in a braking maneuver designed to slow the spacecraft's speed relative to Bennu from 315 mph (141 m/sec) to 11.8 mph (5.2 m/sec).

Likewise, the spacecraft's approach speed dropped from nearly 7,580 miles (12,200 km) to 280 miles (450 km) per day.

The mission team will continue to examine telemetry and tracking data and will have more information over the next week. This burn marked the last planned use of the spacecraft's main engines prior to OSIRIS-REx's departure from Bennu in March 2021.

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is in the midst of a six-week series of maneuvers designed to fly the spacecraft through a precise corridor toward Bennu. AAM-1, which executed on Oct. 1, slowed the spacecraft by 785.831 mph (351.298 m/sec) and consumed 532.4 pounds (241.5 kilograms) of fuel. AAM-3 is scheduled for October 29.

The last of the burns, AAM-4, is scheduled for November 12 and will adjust the spacecraft's trajectory to arrive at a position 12 miles (20 km) from Bennu on December 3. After arrival, the spacecraft will perform a series of fly-bys over Bennu's poles and equator.

Related Links
OSIRIS-REx at NASA
Asteroid and Comet Mission News, Science and Technology

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Saft batteries power MASCOT on Asteroid Ryugu
Paris, France (SPX) Oct 17, 2018
Saft, the leader in batteries for space, is celebrating the success of the MASCOT (Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout), an asteroid lander designed to research the origins of the solar system, which relied on a Saft battery system as its power source. After MASCOT disconnected from the Hayabusa 2 craft, the battery system powered four scientific instruments as well as the on-board computer, navigation sensors and communication system. In addition, the battery provided power for a 'hopping' mechan ... read more