Why collect asteroid samples? 4 essential reads on what these tiny bits of space rock can tell scientists

Missions that return asteroid samples bring home more than just very expensive dust. These samples can provide valuable insights for scientists and commercial interests.

Mary Magnuson, Associate Science Editor • conversation
May 13, 2025 • ~8 min

A Nasa mission that collided with an asteroid didn’t just leave a dent – it reshaped the space rock

The mission provided details about how to deflect an asteroid should one threaten Earth in future.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 26, 2024 • ~7 min

A Nasa spacecraft is on course to deliver material from an asteroid to Earth – here's what we could learn

Missions to asteroids are opening up the secrets of the Solar System

Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, The Open University • conversation
Sept. 21, 2023 • ~8 min

Touching the asteroid Ryugu revealed secrets of its surface and changing orbit

It is a pretty spectacular achievement to not only rendezvous with an asteroid as it is whizzing around the Sun but also collect a sample. Here's what the researchers learned.

Paul K. Byrne, Associate Professor of Planetary Science, North Carolina State University • conversation
May 7, 2020 • ~6 min

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