OSIRIS-REx mission
MDA Space played a key role on the groundbreaking NASA mission, Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security-Regolith Explorer mission (OSIRIS-REx) by developing the Laser Altimeter system. This mission's primary objective was to rendezvous with the asteroid Bennu, collect samples from its surface, and bring them back to Earth.
Unlocking the secrets of our solar system with OSIRIS-REx
To accomplish its mission, the OSIRIS-REx probe needed advanced tools that could precisely scan and measure the asteroid from afar.
On behalf of the Canadian Space Agency, we designed the cutting-edge OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) for the spacecraft, a mine the optimal sample collection locations.
© NASA / Goddard / University of Arizona
Mapping the cosmos: MDA Space's contribution to OSIRIS-REx
To accomplish its mission, the OSIRIS-REx probe needed advanced tools that could precisely scan and measure the asteroid from afar. On behalf of the Canadian Space Agency, MDA Space designed the cutting-edge OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) for the spacecraft, a scanning device that was instrumental in diligently mapping Bennu's enigmatic surface over the course of a year.
The Journey of Discovery
Launched in 2016, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully reached Bennu in 2018.
However, the most critical moment came in October 2020 when OSIRIS-REx delicately collected a sample from Bennu's surface.
This precious cargo returned to Earth in 2023, bringing with it a treasure trove of samples that could reshape our understanding of the solar system's origins.
Laser sharp: illuminating Bennu’s mysteries
This high-precision instrument employs scanning LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a technology akin to RADAR but that utilizes light instead of radio waves for precise distance measurement.
LIDAR enabled OSIRIS-REx to scan Bennu from a remarkable distance of 7 kilometers down to an astonishingly close 225 meters from the asteroid's rugged surface, by emitting laser pulses towards the surface that were reflected back and detected by the LIDAR system.
Utilizing the speed of light, this capability empowered OSIRIS-REx to furnish comprehensive, high-resolution topographic data of Bennu throughout the mission, while also providing essential ranging measurements to support other instruments and facilitate navigation and gravity analyses.