NOVA Touching the Asteroid documents the mission of NASA spacecraft OSIRIS-REx as it attempts to reach out and grab a piece of an asteroid named Bennu and bring it back to Earth. The OSIRIS-REx team has just three chances to extend the spacecraft’s specialized arm, touch down for five seconds, and collect material from the surface of Bennu. NOVA takes us inside the mission that, if successful, could give scientists new insight into Earth’s origins.

Air Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2020 9:00 PM