TL;DR: Bennu is one of the best-characterized near-Earth asteroids. OSIRIS-REx returned 121.6g of sample, confirming hydrated minerals and organic molecules. Its water content makes it a potential propellant
Bennu is one of the best-characterized near-Earth asteroids. OSIRIS-REx returned 121.6g of sample, confirming hydrated minerals and organic molecules. Its water content makes it a potential propellant source for cislunar operations.
Type
B-type (carbonaceous)
Composition
Carbonaceous; hydrated phyllosilicates; magnetite; organic compounds; 5-10% water
Orbit
0.89-1.36 AU (near-Earth), period 1.2 years
Mining Potential
High - water and organics; accessible orbit; OSIRIS-REx sample return completed
Mission
OSIRIS-REx (sample returned Sep 2023); OSIRIS-APEX redirected to Apophis