NASA'S OSIRIS-REx executes slingshot around Earth
Sept. 22 (UPI) -- NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe has used Earth's gravity to slingshot itself into outer space. The spacecraft is now en route to the asteroid Bennu and is expected to encounter the space rock in August 2018.On Friday, OSIRIS-REx swung past the South Pole at an altitude of 10,711 miles. During the flyby, Earth's gravity offered the probe's speed a boost of 8,451 mph.OSIRIS-REx, short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer, is NASA's asteroid encounter and sample collection mission.Once OSIRIS-REx meets up with Bennu, the probe will circle the asteroid for nearly two years. In 2020, the probe will attempt to scoop up rock and dust samples from the surface of the asteroid. The spacecraft will begin its return journey to Earth in 20...