Here's how OSIRIS-REx will sample asteroid Bennu | Science News

TAGSAM's arm allows surface contact (center) without the spacecraft landing on the asteroid. During five seconds of contact, a jet of nitrogen gas will agitate Bennu’s surface to loosen dust for collection (right). Surface contact pads will also collect fine-grained material. Once collection is done, the TAGSAM head will move into a capsule where it’s protected from contamination during the trip back to Earth.

Read more about the OSIRIS-REx mission: https://www.sciencenews.org/ar....ticle/how-grab-piece

Video: NASA Goddard/University of Arizona