NASA and its collaborators have released the first findings from the OSIRIS-REx mission, revealing that while no direct evidence of life was found, the conditions necessary for life’s emergence were likely widespread in the early solar system [1]. This discovery enhances the possibility of life forming on other planets and moons. The mission used advanced technology to autonomously collect rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu, a celestial body that provides a snapshot of the solar system’s state 4.5 billion years ago. After traveling 3.9 billion miles, the sample capsule safely returned to Earth on September 24, 2023.

Figure 1. NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission

The OSIRIS-REx mission utilized advanced technology to autonomously collect rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu, which serves as a time capsule from 4.5 billion years ago. After traveling 3.9 billion miles, the sample capsule safely returned to Earth on September 24, 2023. Figure 1 shows NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission.

A paper published in Nature Astronomy revealed that the Bennu samples contained 14 amino acids and five nucleobases, compounds also found in Earth’s life forms [2]. Additionally, the samples showed high levels of ammonia and formaldehyde, which, when combined under the right conditions, can form complex molecules like amino acids.

The second publication, appearing in Nature, focused on the environment in which these molecules formed. The study found evidence of a "brine" and identified a set of minerals that may have been left behind as saltwater evaporated.

"Data from OSIRIS-REx adds significant detail to our understanding of a solar system full of potential for life," said Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA Goddard. "The real question that fascinates us is why, so far, we only see life on Earth and not elsewhere."

Reference:

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nasas-latest-asteroid-sample-hints-at-lifes-extraterrestrial-origins/
2. https://www.engadget.com/nasas-osiris-rex-mission-teases-new-insights-on-how-life-began-223527954.html

Cite this article:

Janani R (2025), NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission Hints at New Clues to Life’s Origins, AnaTechMaz, pp.183