Phase name

Description

Start time

Launch

Launch on an EELV from Cape Canaveral on an Earth-escape trajectory

Sept. 2016

Outbound cruise

Perform deep space maneuver; Earth flyby & gravity assist; instrument calibration & checkout

Oct. 2016

Approach

Perform braking maneuvers; survey the Bennu orbital environment for natural satellites; collect the first resolved images

Aug. 2018

Preliminary survey

Estimate the mass of Bennu; refine shape and spin state models

Nov. 2018

Orbital A

Demonstrate orbital flight; transition to landmark-based optical navigation

Dec. 2018

Detailed survey

Spectrally map the entire Bennu surface; collect images and lidar data for global shape and spin state models; search for dust plumes

Jan. 2019

Orbital B

Collect lidar and radiometric data for high resolution topographic map and gravity model; observe candidate sampling sites and downselect for reconnaissance

Mar. 2019

Reconnaissance

Conduct sorties for closer look at up to 4 candidate sampling sites and select 1

May 2019

TAG rehearsal

Systematically and deliberately practice steps of sample collection sequence

Aug. 2019

Sample collection

Collect >60g (Level 2 requirement) of pristine bulk regolith and 26 cm² of surface material, and stow it in the SRC (Sample Return Capsule)

Sept. 2020

Quiescent operations

Remain in Bennu's heliocentric orbit; monitor spacecraft health

Oct. 2020

Return Cruise

Transport the sample back to the vicinity of the Earth

Mar. 2021

Earth Return & Recovery

Get the sample safely to the ground and to the curation facility in late September 2023

Sept. 2023