Ep 13. Touching the Asteroid

In NOVA season 49 episode 13, titled "Touching the Asteroid," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the fascinating world of asteroids. The episode follows a team of engineers and scientists as they work towards achieving a groundbreaking feat - landing a spacecraft on an asteroid.

The episode starts by providing viewers with an overview of the asteroid belt - a vast region between Mars and Jupiter that is home to millions of asteroids. The team explains that while most asteroids are harmless, there are a few that could pose a threat to our planet if they were to collide with Earth. This is why it's important to study these space rocks in detail.

The team then introduces their spacecraft - OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer). OSIRIS-REx's mission is to study an asteroid called Bennu, which is believed to be rich in organic materials and other important resources.

The episode goes on to show how OSIRIS-REx is designed to carry out its mission. The spacecraft features a robotic arm that can reach out and touch the asteroid's surface, collecting samples that will be brought back to Earth for analysis. The team also explains how OSIRIS-REx uses a suite of instruments to scan Bennu's surface and study its composition.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an up-close look at the challenges faced by the team as they work to achieve their mission. They discuss the difficulties of navigating around an irregularly shaped asteroid, as well as the technical challenges of landing a spacecraft on its surface. The episode also covers some of the unexpected surprises that the team encounters along the way.

As the team gets closer to their goal, the tension builds. Viewers watch with bated breath as OSIRIS-REx approaches Bennu's surface and attempts to make contact. Will they succeed in landing the spacecraft on the asteroid? What will they learn from the samples they collect?

Overall, NOVA season 49 episode 13, "Touching the Asteroid," provides a fascinating look at the cutting-edge science and engineering behind space exploration. Through stunning visuals and expert commentary, viewers are transported to the far reaches of our solar system and given a glimpse into the incredible challenges that must be overcome to unlock the secrets of our universe.