Exciting Updates from the OSIRIS-REx Curation Team!

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is making waves again with its latest curation report—marking a significant expansion of the OSIRIS-REx catalog! This newsletter highlights exciting new discoveries as the team unveils details on fifty newly announced samples, including pristine treasures from inside the TAGSAM head and the first two samples that have been returned by investigators.

Revolutionary Scanning Techniques for Sample Analysis

The team continues to employ cutting-edge X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to scan these unique samples, ensuring the integrity of their pristine condition while compiling the most detailed data sets available. This state-of-the-art technique allows researchers to explore the heterogeneity in and among samples, providing insights that could unveil crucial information about the origins of these materials.

Exclusive Access to XCT Scans!

For those keen on diving deeper, data from these XCT scans are available upon request. The scans come in versatile formats—viewable as TIFF stack videos or analyzed using specialized software as XCT data cubes. However, requests have been scant. To remedy this, the latest update will include images from each XCT scan on the sample details page, accompanied by evolving text descriptions.

Mark Your Calendars: Next Sample Request Deadline!

Don't miss out! The next opportunity to request OSIRIS-REx samples curated by NASA is coming up on June 2, 2025. The curation team is diligently working to allocate approved samples and facilitate transfers to international partners, including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). They appreciate the community's patience as they manage this critical allocation process.

Results from Recent Sample Requests

In the most recent round of sample requests, a total of fifty-six submissions were reviewed, with twenty getting approved and nine deemed selectable—many with specific qualifications. If you're considering submitting a request for this upcoming round, feel free to reach out to the collection curator, Dr. Nicole Lunning, for any questions.

The Future of Astromaterials is Bright!

With advancements in astrobiology, astrochemistry, and astrogeology at the forefront, the ongoing work within the OSIRIS-REx mission promises to unlock the mysteries of our universe. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates as this mission continues to chart new territory in space exploration!