The forecast for launch of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft remains 80 percent “go” atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday from Space Launch Complex 41 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Today, NASA will air two OSIRIS-REx events on NASA TV. Social media followers may ask questions during both using #askNASA.
Noon to 1 p.m. – OSIRIS-REx NASA Social
NASA will host a discussion with representatives from the mission’s science and engineering teams that includes an overview of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and the science behind the mission. This event will air live on NASA TV and the agency’s website.
1 to 2 p.m. – Uncovering the Secrets of Asteroids Briefing
During this panel at OSB II, NASA scientists will discuss asteroids, how they relate to the origins of our solar system, and the search for life beyond Earth. Panelists are:
- Ellen Stofan, NASA chief scientist
- Michelle Thaller, deputy director of science communications for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate
- Lindley Johnson, director of the Planetary Defense Coordination Office in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate
- Alex Young, associate director for science in the Heliophysics Science Division at Goddard