How OSIRIS-REx will Steer Itself to Sample an Asteroid

In late August, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will navigate to asteroid Bennu’s surface for its first sample collection attempt. To do this, it will use an onboard image software known as Natural Feature Tracking (NFT) — a form of optical navigation that is completely autonomous. NFT guides the spacecraft by comparing an onboard image catalog with the real-time navigation images it takes during descent, looking for specific landmarks on Bennu’s surface in order to orient itself. This navigation technique allows the spacecraft to accurately target small sites while dodging potential hazards. Music Credit: “Steppenwolf“ from Universal Production Music. Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center James Tralie (ADNET): Lead Producer Lead Animator Lead Editor Krystofer Kim (USRA): Animator Kel Elkins (USRA): Visualizer Michael Moreau (NASA/GSFC): Scientist Kenny Getzandanner (NASA/GSFC): Scientist Ryan Olds (Lockheed Martin): Scientist Sandra Freund (Lockheed Martin): Scientist Lisa Poje (USRA): Animator Aaron E. Lepsch (ADNET): Technical Support This video is public domain and along with other supporting visualizations can be downloaded from NASA Goddard’s Scientific Visualization Studio at: If you liked this video, subscribe to the NASA Goddard YouTube channel: Follow NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center · Instagram · Twitter · Twitter · Facebook: · Flickr