Ithaca College

You are invited to a talk entitled OSIRIS-REx UPDATE: NASA’s Asteroid Sample Return Mission Target: Carbonaceous Asteroid 101955 Bennu, with Beth Ellen Clark Joseph, Professor & Chair of the Ithaca College Department of Physics & Astronomy

In this talk, I will present the scientific goals of the OSIRIS-REx mission, and discuss the aspects of the science operations with which I am most heavily involved. Of particular interest are the decision factors for the selection of a sampling site, and the measurements that feed into the data products to be used for decisions.  Our sampling site will need to be boulder-free, cliff-free, show evidence of small-particle regolith, and be approachable safely by the spacecraft.  In addition, the scientific value of the sample is important.  Specifically, we will need to understand the thermal history, the chemical composition, the mineralogy, and the geological context of potential sampling sites in order to select the sampling location with the highest scientific value.  Our target asteroid, 101955 Bennu, is a very dark rock, spectrally similar to the most primitive carbonaceous meteorites.  The mission concept of operations has us conducting global surveys and selecting sample sites – all within the space of a few months.    Given that we have three spectrometers with complimentary wavelength ranges, three cameras with complimentary focal lengths (one of which can observe with broad-band color), and a laser altimeter, what are the best quick analysis methods of the data from our instrument suite? 

Tues., Feb 21, 2017
CNS 206B @ 12:10 p.m.

Pizza and Refreshments will be available for $1.
Please bring your own cup.
Remember to Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the department assistant at jackerman@ithaca.edu . We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible