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Touch-and-Go: US Spacecraft Prepares to Grab a Sample of Asteroid

Associated Press

   CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. - After circling an ancient asteroid hundreds of
   millions of miles away for almost two years, a NASA spacecraft this
   week will attempt to descend to the treacherous, boulder-packed surface
   and snatch a handful of rubble.

   The drama unfolds Tuesday as the U.S. takes its first crack at
   collecting asteroid samples for return to Earth, a feat accomplished so
   far only by Japan.

   Brimming with names inspired by Egyptian mythology, the Osiris-Rex
   mission is looking to bring back at least 2 ounces (60 grams) worth of
   asteroid Bennu, the biggest otherworldly haul from beyond the moon.

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