Grants and Contributions:
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully collected a sample of asteroid Bennu in October 2021 and is on its return journey to Earth to deliver the sample in September 2023.
To enable the full science value of this precious sample to be realized we will conduct a number of activities over the next three years. These include:
• Laboratory spectral analysis of meteorites that may be relevant to Bennu, specifically heated carbonaceous chondrites (to understand how primitive Bennu may be and associated implications for prebiotic chemistry on Earth)
• Examine data for the sampling site before and after sampling to understand Bennu’s internal structure and any “space weathering” effects
• Develop procedures to analyze the returned sample on a grain-by-grain basis (to maximize science return for the sample)
• Conduct the preliminary spectroscopic analysis of the returned sample to understand how varied it may be and to inform sample curation, analysis, and allocation to the scientific community.
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the
future.
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.