NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully departs asteroid Bennu The spacecraft is carrying samples of the asteroid that scientists hope will help explain how the solar system and Earth formed. Author: Danielle Miller (FOX43), Associated Press Published: 5:52 PM EDT May 11, 2021 Updated: 5:52 PM EDT May 11, 2021 YORK, Pa. — The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is on its way back to Earth after successfully departing asteroid Bennu Monday afternoon. The spacecraft is carrying samples from the asteroid that scientists from around the world will study. According to Danny Glavin, Associate Director for Solar System Science at NASA Goddard, this is the "golden age" for robotic exploration and sample return.