NASA’s Osiris-Rex mission made history in 2023 by bringing back samples from the asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft collected 122 grams of dust and small rocks, making it the largest sample ever returned from beyond the moon. Scientists studying the material found amino acids, ammonia, and nitrogen-rich compounds, supporting the idea that asteroids might have played a role in the origins of life on Earth. The discovery of sodium-rich minerals also suggests that Bennu’s parent asteroid once had underground reservoirs of salty water. These findings help scientists understand the chemical processes that took place in the early solar system and how they may have influenced Earth’s ability to support life.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Bennu samples is the presence of fragile salt formations, which are usually destroyed when meteorites enter Earth’s atmosphere. Scientists stress that this was only possible because the samples were carefully collected and preserved in space. The mix of organic molecules and salty minerals provides new insights into prebiotic chemistry. While more research is needed, experts believe this discovery could change how we understand the spread of organic material in space. NASA has stored most of the samples for future study, while China is preparing its own asteroid mission. Interest in exploring other celestial bodies, such as Ceres and Europa, is also growing, as scientists seek to answer key questions about life beyond Earth.