NASA and astronomers around the world are urgently tracking Asteroid 2026 JH2 after its late discovery revealed a close flyby past Earth. The space rock, estimated to be the size of a school bus to a basketball court, has prompted intensified monitoring efforts as it speeds through near-Earth space.

Scientists say while the asteroid poses no confirmed threat, its unexpected detection highlights ongoing challenges in tracking smaller near-Earth objects before they pass our planet.


NASA Scrambles To Track Surprise Asteroid Barrelling Past Earth

Stargazers and scientists alike are turning their eyes to the skies this week as asteroid 2025 QY4 makes its approach towards Earth. The rock, measuring nearly 180 feet in diameter, has been classified as part of the Aten group of asteroids, which are known for crossing Earth’s orbital path. According to NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the asteroid is travelling at a remarkable speed of 39,205 miles per hour. Although its trajectory brings it close in astronomical terms, experts emphasise there is no danger of impact.&nbsp;<h2>Distance of approach</h2>&nbsp;NASA has confirmed that 2025 QY4 will make its closest approach on August 29, 2025, on Friday, at approximately 11:26 AM IST. At its nearest, the asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 2.81 million miles, or about 4.51 million kilometres. While this might seem vast, it is considered relatively close when viewed against the scale of space. The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’ Despite being above that size threshold, QY4’s flyby distance places it outside the hazardous category.&nbsp;<h2>Why scientists track such flybys</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The monitoring of near-Earth asteroids remains a critical part of planetary defence. Even small shifts in an asteroid’s orbit, caused by gravitational influences or solar radiation, can alter their future trajectories. This is why agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO keep such objects under close observation. ISRO chief S. Somanath has also highlighted India’s plans to contribute to asteroid studies, with particular attention to larger rocks such as Apophis, expected to pass close to Earth in 2029. Tracking QY4 adds to the growing body of data on asteroid behaviour, composition, and movement, which can inform both research and future mitigation strategies.&nbsp;<h2>A reminder from space</h2>&nbsp;Although asteroid 2025 QY4 poses no threat, its passage serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the cosmos. These events underline the need for global collaboration in space science and planetary protection. The flyby of QY4 is not merely a moment of astronomical curiosity; it is a demonstration of how swiftly conditions in our skies can change, and why vigilance is necessary.&nbsp;

The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’

Stargazers and scientists alike are turning their eyes to the skies this week as asteroid 2025 QY4 makes its approach towards Earth. The rock, measuring nearly 180 feet in diameter, has been classified as part of the Aten group of asteroids, which are known for crossing Earth’s orbital path. According to NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), the asteroid is travelling at a remarkable speed of 39,205 miles per hour. Although its trajectory brings it close in astronomical terms, experts emphasise there is no danger of impact. Distance of approach NASA has confirmed that 2025 QY4 will make its closest approach on August 29, 2025, on Friday, at approximately 11:26 AM IST. At its nearest, the asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 2.81 million miles, or about 4.51 million kilometres. While this might seem vast, it is considered relatively close when viewed against the scale of space. The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’ Despite being above that size threshold, QY4’s flyby distance places it outside the hazardous category. Why scientists track such flybys The monitoring of near-Earth asteroids remains a critical part of planetary defence. Even small shifts in an asteroid’s orbit, caused by gravitational influences or solar radiation, can alter their future trajectories. This is why agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO keep such objects under close observation. ISRO chief S. Somanath has also highlighted India’s plans to contribute to asteroid studies, with particular attention to larger rocks such as Apophis, expected to pass close to Earth in 2029. Tracking QY4 adds to the growing body of data on asteroid behaviour, composition, and movement, which can inform both research and future mitigation strategies. A reminder from space Although asteroid 2025 QY4 poses no threat, its passage serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the cosmos. These events underline the need for global collaboration in space science and planetary protection. The flyby of QY4 is not merely a moment of astronomical curiosity; it is a demonstration of how swiftly conditions in our skies can change, and why vigilance is necessary.

The agency designates any object larger than 85 metres that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as ‘potentially hazardous.’

NASA confirms 180-foot asteroid racing at 39,205 mph to fly past Earth on this date..

A week full of asteroid visits to the Earth is concluding with another one zooming past Earth at a close distance on the night of Dec 6. The space rock measured five feet in diameter and has been named 2024 XS2. It will be at its closest point to our planet for the next 10 years tonight at 9:47 pm EST.

It would be only 196,000 kilometres away from Earth, almost half the distance the Moon is from us. The average distance of the Moon from Earth is 384,500 km. This would make it easier for amateur telescopes to pick it up. However, the asteroid won't be easily viewable in the northern hemisphere. In the southern sky, it would zoom between two constellations, the Dolphinfish and Reticulum.

Asteroid 2024 XS2 was discovered in March this year. Its orbit means it approaches the sun closer than Earth does. This is the case with the Apollo class of asteroids. Much of the Nearth-Earth objects (NEOs) that zoom past Earth belong to this group.

<h2>Asteroid in Siberia</h2>

The latest approach comes just days after an asteroid impacted Earth over Siberia. It was discovered only hours before it hit the atmosphere, making it the fourth imminent impactor of 2024. It was only 28 inches wide and entered the atmosphere at around 1:15 am local time on December 4. It exploded into a fireball and was caught on camera by several people.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-in-siberia-fourth-imminent-impactor-of-2024-strikes-over-yakutia-781292">Asteroid in Siberia: Fourth imminent impactor of 2024 strikes over Yakutia</a>

It was initially named C0WEPC5 and was officially designated 2024 XA1. Fragments of the space rock are believed to have littered the city of Oleminsk. The European Space Agency noticed the asteroid at 4:27 am ET the previous day and issued an alert, stating "the impact will be harmless."

Just the next day, a huge asteroid, made its closest approach to Earth. The "potentially hazardous" 1,200ft asteroid 2020 XR zipped past Earth at 12:27 am ET on December 4 (10:57 am IST). Travelling at a speed of 44,300 kilometres per hour, it reached a minimum distance of 2.2 million kilometres from Earth.

It had visited us in 1977 as well, although at that time it hadn't been discovered. When it was spotted flying in space, astronomers thought that it would hit Earth in 2028. However, later calculations brushed off the scare.&nbsp;

<h2>Apophis in 2029</h2>

Apophis is the other asteroid scientists are keeping a&nbsp;watch on. It will fly by Earth in 2029 and was seen as a danger for the longest time. But as its trajectory was studied, astronomers found that it would miss hitting the planet. However, it is still of interest and multiple space agencies are planning on studying the asteroid upon its close visit.&nbsp;

NASA has prepared the OSIRIS-APEX mission that will fly by Apophis in April and study its composition and surface in June when it begins its 18-month stay on the asteroid.&nbsp;

ESA's &nbsp;Ramses mission will rendezvous with Apophis in February 2029 and will stay with it as it approaches Earth. Besides studying the usual elements of the asteroid, the mission will also look at how the planet's gravity affects it. 
&nbsp;

A week full of asteroid visits to the Earth is concluding with another one zooming past Earth at a close distance on the night of Dec 6. The space rock measured five feet in diameter and has been named 2024 XS2.

A week full of asteroid visits to the Earth is concluding with another one zooming past Earth at a close distance on the night of Dec 6. The space rock measured five feet in diameter and has been named 2024 XS2. It will be at its closest point to our planet for the next 10 years tonight at 9:47 pm EST. It would be only 196,000 kilometres away from Earth, almost half the distance the Moon is from us. The average distance of the Moon from Earth is 384,500 km. This would make it easier for amateur telescopes to pick it up. However, the asteroid won't be easily viewable in the northern hemisphere. In the southern sky, it would zoom between two constellations, the Dolphinfish and Reticulum. Asteroid 2024 XS2 was discovered in March this year. Its orbit means it approaches the sun closer than Earth does. This is the case with the Apollo class of asteroids. Much of the Nearth-Earth objects (NEOs) that zoom past Earth belong to this group. Asteroid in Siberia The latest approach comes just days after an asteroid impacted Earth over Siberia. It was discovered only hours before it hit the atmosphere, making it the fourth imminent impactor of 2024. It was only 28 inches wide and entered the atmosphere at around 1:15 am local time on December 4. It exploded into a fireball and was caught on camera by several people. Also Read: Asteroid in Siberia: Fourth imminent impactor of 2024 strikes over Yakutia It was initially named C0WEPC5 and was officially designated 2024 XA1. Fragments of the space rock are believed to have littered the city of Oleminsk. The European Space Agency noticed the asteroid at 4:27 am ET the previous day and issued an alert, stating "the impact will be harmless." Just the next day, a huge asteroid, made its closest approach to Earth. The "potentially hazardous" 1,200ft asteroid 2020 XR zipped past Earth at 12:27 am ET on December 4 (10:57 am IST). Travelling at a speed of 44,300 kilometres per hour, it reached a minimum distance of 2.2 million kilometres from Earth. It had visited us in 1977 as well, although at that time it hadn't been discovered. When it was spotted flying in space, astronomers thought that it would hit Earth in 2028. However, later calculations brushed off the scare. Apophis in 2029 Apophis is the other asteroid scientists are keeping a watch on. It will fly by Earth in 2029 and was seen as a danger for the longest time. But as its trajectory was studied, astronomers found that it would miss hitting the planet. However, it is still of interest and multiple space agencies are planning on studying the asteroid upon its close visit. NASA has prepared the OSIRIS-APEX mission that will fly by Apophis in April and study its composition and surface in June when it begins its 18-month stay on the asteroid. ESA's Ramses mission will rendezvous with Apophis in February 2029 and will stay with it as it approaches Earth. Besides studying the usual elements of the asteroid, the mission will also look at how the planet's gravity affects it.

Another asteroid racing towards Earth today will be even closer than the Moon

The smallest ever asteroid to hit Earth and the only one to be properly measured is about the size of a regular cat, as per a study. It exploded over Canada in 2022 in a stunning green fireball. The tiny asteroid was discovered only three hours before it made an impact on our planet.

The study was published on Nov 22 in The Planetary Science Journal.

On Nov 19, 2022, asteroid 2022 WJ1 entered the Earth's atmosphere and violently broke apart due to intense friction from the air. This led to a bright flash of green light streaking in the night sky for about 10 seconds. It was accompanied by a loud sonic boom and could be seen many kilometres away.

The explosion was reported in southern Ontario but was watched by people even in the Toronto area and in the states of New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland, as per a New York Times report.&nbsp;

The asteroid was spotted merely three hours before entering Earth by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. In order to learn where it might hit, the team ran tests and was able to correctly predict the location.&nbsp;

It was also an opportunity to study the space rock and so they quickly enabled the equipment along the asteroid's path.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-hits-earth-near-california-moments-after-being-discovered-770523">Asteroid hits Earth near California moments after being discovered</a>

This included the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) in Arizona and a meteor camera network at Western University in Ontario. Both these helped scientists monitor the space rock closely as it raced through the sky.

Using the data of the LDT and the cameras, researchers ran an analysis of the asteroid's brightness. The space rock was found to be around 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 centimetres) wide, the smallest confirmed size for any asteroid, researchers wrote in a statement.

Asteroids smaller than 2022 WJ1 hit Earth almost every day. However, they have never been measured because the scientists never see them coming. In the case of 2022 WJ1, they were prepared because they spotted it a few hours before impact.

NASA keeps an eye on the potentially hazardous bigger asteroids, but there are a few that are spotted merely hours before impact. At that time, &nbsp;2022 WJ1 was only the sixth asteroid to be detected right before entering Earth.

<h2>Asteroid hits California</h2>

This has already happened three times this year. On Oct 22, an asteroid was found moments before impact. It was only around three feet in diameter and burst into a bright fireball about 1,000 km off the California coast. NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) spotted it and reported that a fireball lit the skies at 3:54 am PT. 
&nbsp;

The smallest ever asteroid to hit Earth and the only one to be properly measured is about the size of a regular cat, as per a study. It exploded over Canada in 2022 in a stunning green fireball.

The smallest ever asteroid to hit Earth and the only one to be properly measured is about the size of a regular cat, as per a study. It exploded over Canada in 2022 in a stunning green fireball. The tiny asteroid was discovered only three hours before it made an impact on our planet. The study was published on Nov 22 in The Planetary Science Journal. On Nov 19, 2022, asteroid 2022 WJ1 entered the Earth's atmosphere and violently broke apart due to intense friction from the air. This led to a bright flash of green light streaking in the night sky for about 10 seconds. It was accompanied by a loud sonic boom and could be seen many kilometres away. The explosion was reported in southern Ontario but was watched by people even in the Toronto area and in the states of New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland, as per a New York Times report. The asteroid was spotted merely three hours before entering Earth by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. In order to learn where it might hit, the team ran tests and was able to correctly predict the location. It was also an opportunity to study the space rock and so they quickly enabled the equipment along the asteroid's path. Also Read: Asteroid hits Earth near California moments after being discovered This included the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) in Arizona and a meteor camera network at Western University in Ontario. Both these helped scientists monitor the space rock closely as it raced through the sky. Using the data of the LDT and the cameras, researchers ran an analysis of the asteroid's brightness. The space rock was found to be around 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 centimetres) wide, the smallest confirmed size for any asteroid, researchers wrote in a statement. Asteroids smaller than 2022 WJ1 hit Earth almost every day. However, they have never been measured because the scientists never see them coming. In the case of 2022 WJ1, they were prepared because they spotted it a few hours before impact. NASA keeps an eye on the potentially hazardous bigger asteroids, but there are a few that are spotted merely hours before impact. At that time, 2022 WJ1 was only the sixth asteroid to be detected right before entering Earth. Asteroid hits California This has already happened three times this year. On Oct 22, an asteroid was found moments before impact. It was only around three feet in diameter and burst into a bright fireball about 1,000 km off the California coast. NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) spotted it and reported that a fireball lit the skies at 3:54 am PT.

Smallest asteroid ever spotted hit Earth over Canada in a stunning green fireball

Asteroid 2024 OR1 is hurtling towards Earth and will make an extremely close flyby on August 6. The 110-foot asteroid is the size of an aeroplane and will zoom past our planet at 6:41 pm IST. It is moving at a speed of 30,381 km/h. This asteroid belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, rocks that fascinate astronomers and are valuable in terms of observation and scientific study. They are categorised as near-Earth objects (NEOs) with orbits that cross Earth's path. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has issued the latest warning as part of its Asteroid Watch programme.

NASA has a set of guidelines based on which an asteroid is classified as hazardous. The space agency says that asteroids that won't get closer than 4,650,000 million miles to Earth or are smaller than about 140 metres, that is around 460 feet, don't pose a threat.

Asteroid 2024 OR1 will be 2,130,000 miles at its nearest point from Earth. Based on the distance, it does fulfil one criterion of a hazardous object, but it is not as big in size, so it will not pose a threat to our planet.&nbsp;

Two more asteroids will make a flyby on the same day. Asteroid 2024 OM1, 160 feet in size, is also approaching us on August 6 and will be 869,000 miles from us at its nearest point. It also belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. Asteroid 2024 PE, an Aten near-Earth object, will also zoom past us on this day. However, it is just 84 feet in size and will make its closest approach at 1,130,000 miles. Both these asteroids are expected to pass by us safely, without posing a threat.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturn-kicks-out-a-comet-outside-our-solar-system-at-a-scary-speed-of-6700-mph-heres-how-747085">Saturn kicks out a comet outside our solar system at a scary speed of 6,700 mph. Here's how</a>

<h2>NASA Asteroid warnings&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) regularly tracks NEOs to understand the collision risks they might pose and to be able to take action in the event one threatens the planet. An asteroid's size, speed, and location of impact also decide if it has the potential to cause any kind of devastation. These events also provide NASA with the opportunity to learn more about these celestial visitors.&nbsp;

NASA has hit an asteroid in the past as part of the DART mission. It helped scientists learn more about a likely scenario where an asteroid might pose a risk to us.

Asteroid 2024 OR1 is hurtling towards Earth and will make an extremely close flyby on August 6. The 110-foot asteroid is the size of an aeroplane and will zoom past our planet at 6:41 pm IST.

Asteroid 2024 OR1 is hurtling towards Earth and will make an extremely close flyby on August 6. The 110-foot asteroid is the size of an aeroplane and will zoom past our planet at 6:41 pm IST. It is moving at a speed of 30,381 km/h. This asteroid belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, rocks that fascinate astronomers and are valuable in terms of observation and scientific study. They are categorised as near-Earth objects (NEOs) with orbits that cross Earth's path. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has issued the latest warning as part of its Asteroid Watch programme. NASA has a set of guidelines based on which an asteroid is classified as hazardous. The space agency says that asteroids that won't get closer than 4,650,000 million miles to Earth or are smaller than about 140 metres, that is around 460 feet, don't pose a threat. Asteroid 2024 OR1 will be 2,130,000 miles at its nearest point from Earth. Based on the distance, it does fulfil one criterion of a hazardous object, but it is not as big in size, so it will not pose a threat to our planet. Two more asteroids will make a flyby on the same day. Asteroid 2024 OM1, 160 feet in size, is also approaching us on August 6 and will be 869,000 miles from us at its nearest point. It also belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. Asteroid 2024 PE, an Aten near-Earth object, will also zoom past us on this day. However, it is just 84 feet in size and will make its closest approach at 1,130,000 miles. Both these asteroids are expected to pass by us safely, without posing a threat. Also Read: Saturn kicks out a comet outside our solar system at a scary speed of 6,700 mph. Here's how NASA Asteroid warnings NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) regularly tracks NEOs to understand the collision risks they might pose and to be able to take action in the event one threatens the planet. An asteroid's size, speed, and location of impact also decide if it has the potential to cause any kind of devastation. These events also provide NASA with the opportunity to learn more about these celestial visitors. NASA has hit an asteroid in the past as part of the DART mission. It helped scientists learn more about a likely scenario where an asteroid might pose a risk to us.

NASA warns three asteroids are hurtling towards Earth and will come extremely close on the same day

NASA's superlative new project known as Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) aims to demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space heading towards the Earth.

The initiative aims to shift an asteroid's orbit through kinetic impact. In a live show of the demonstration, the US space agency plans to test it on moonlet Didymos launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, reports say.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-announces-two-new-missions-to-venus-389268/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The unmanned spacecraft is expected to travel millions of miles into space and crash against the Didymos moonlet. NASA also plans to take pictures of the event by sending a small spacecraft that will separate from DART to take live pictures of the crash.

NASA hopes to capture valuable data when the event occurs in real-time in order to assess how it could look if a real-life scenario takes place in the future. The mission is said to be purely a "defence-driven test" which will help in preventing an impact on the Earth of a hazardous asteroid.

According to NASA, it will be the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space.

The project right now is reportedly in Phase C at Marshall Space Flight Center at NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office.

The space agency said the DART spacecraft will achieve the "kinetic impact" deflection by deliberately crashing itself into the moonlet at a speed of approximately 6.6 km per second with the help of autonomous navigation software.

NASA said the launch window begins later this year from &nbsp;November 2021 and it will launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and is expected to collide against Didymos moonlet in September, 2022.

NASA says the “moonlet” is about 160 meters which is the likely size of an asteroid that could threaten&nbsp;the Earth in the future. The scientists are currently studying its properties minutely before DART crashes into it.

(With inputs from Agencies)

NASA's superlative new project known as Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) aims to demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space heading towards the Earth.

NASA's superlative new project known as Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) aims to demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space heading towards the Earth. The initiative aims to shift an asteroid's orbit through kinetic impact. In a live show of the demonstration, the US space agency plans to test it on moonlet Didymos launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, reports say. Watch: The unmanned spacecraft is expected to travel millions of miles into space and crash against the Didymos moonlet. NASA also plans to take pictures of the event by sending a small spacecraft that will separate from DART to take live pictures of the crash. NASA hopes to capture valuable data when the event occurs in real-time in order to assess how it could look if a real-life scenario takes place in the future. The mission is said to be purely a "defence-driven test" which will help in preventing an impact on the Earth of a hazardous asteroid. According to NASA, it will be the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space. The project right now is reportedly in Phase C at Marshall Space Flight Center at NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. The space agency said the DART spacecraft will achieve the "kinetic impact" deflection by deliberately crashing itself into the moonlet at a speed of approximately 6.6 km per second with the help of autonomous navigation software. NASA said the launch window begins later this year from November 2021 and it will launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and is expected to collide against Didymos moonlet in September, 2022. NASA says the “moonlet” is about 160 meters which is the likely size of an asteroid that could threaten the Earth in the future. The scientists are currently studying its properties minutely before DART crashes into it. (With inputs from Agencies)

How NASA's DART mission aims to crash an unmanned spacecraft against asteroid in 'defensive test'

NASA released new images by the OSIRIS-REx mission on the asteroid Bennu.&nbsp;

The spacecraft collected a sample that will reach earth in 2023.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-osiris-rex-grabs-a-piece-of-asteroid-bennu-in-historic-mission-336773">NASA's Osiris-Rex grabs a piece of asteroid Bennu in historic mission</a>

In the photographs, the spacecraft could be seen touching down, crushing some rocks on the surface.

<img alt="NASA asteroid mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="977612ff-933d-4652-9c3e-9bbaeade4ca0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_158.jpg" />

<img alt="NASA asteroid mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11062abf-6c74-48d8-9170-cda8dedb0638" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_78.jpg" />

<img alt="NASA asteroid mission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1cb4d794-dcbf-4a40-979e-086c4d7063dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_111.jpg" />

(Courtesy: AFP)

Osiris-Rex will return back in September 2023, hopefully with the largest sample ever collected from space since the Apollo mission, potentially helping in knowing the origins of our solar system.&nbsp;

The images taken provide a play-by-play sequence of the dramatic landing, which include Osiris-Rex's sampling arm breaking a large but fragile rock on contact.&nbsp;

"Bottom line is, from analysis of the images that we've gotten down so far, is that the sampling event went really well, as good as we could have imagined it would," said Dante Lauretta, mission head.&nbsp;

"Particles are flying all over the place. We really did kind of make a mess on the surface of this asteroid, but it's a good mess, it's the kind of mess we were hoping for."&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

NASA released new images by the OSIRIS-REx mission on the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft collected a sample that will reach earth in 2023. Also read | NASA's Osiris-Rex grabs a piece of asteroid Bennu in historic mission In the photographs, the spacecraft could be seen touching down, crushing some rocks on the surface.

NASA released new images by the OSIRIS-REx mission on the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft collected a sample that will reach earth in 2023. Also read | NASA's Osiris-Rex grabs a piece of asteroid Bennu in historic mission In the photographs, the spacecraft could be seen touching down, crushing some rocks on the surface. (Courtesy: AFP) Osiris-Rex will return back in September 2023, hopefully with the largest sample ever collected from space since the Apollo mission, potentially helping in knowing the origins of our solar system. The images taken provide a play-by-play sequence of the dramatic landing, which include Osiris-Rex's sampling arm breaking a large but fragile rock on contact. "Bottom line is, from analysis of the images that we've gotten down so far, is that the sampling event went really well, as good as we could have imagined it would," said Dante Lauretta, mission head. "Particles are flying all over the place. We really did kind of make a mess on the surface of this asteroid, but it's a good mess, it's the kind of mess we were hoping for."

NASA releases new images to show historic landing, sample collection on asteroid

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