NASA released X-ray computed tomography scans on March 17, 2026, providing the first detailed look inside asteroid Bennu samples collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The scans reveal crack networks that solved a mystery that had puzzled NASA scientists for years about the asteroid's unexpected surface composition.
When OSIRIS-REx first approached asteroid Bennu in 2018, scientists expected to encounter smooth, sandy beach-like surfaces based on their models. Instead, the spacecraft discovered a rocky terrain that defied expectations. The new XCT scans show the most common types of crack networks observed in the returned samples, providing the missing piece to understand Bennu's true nature.
The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from Bennu during its multi-year journey, with the spacecraft touching down on the asteroid's surface to gather material. The samples were returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis, allowing scientists to use advanced imaging techniques like X-ray computed tomography.
These findings demonstrate the value of sample-return missions in advancing our understanding of asteroid composition and formation. The crack network analysis provides crucial insights into the physical processes that shaped Bennu over billions of years, informing future asteroid research and planetary defense strategies.