IM helped validate the optical navigation system used for asteroid relative navigation using experience from previous rendezvous and precision landing projects. More importantly, IM played a critical role in developing the definitions and framework for the shape modeling of the asteroid surface. In this role, we helped bridge the gap between the scientists studying the sensor data about the surface of Bennu and the flight engineers who will use the shape map to perform landmark identification and tracking for navigation on the touch-and-go sample collection landing.
We are excited to see the Osiris-Rex mission enter the asteroid survey phase and proud that we were able to contribute in some small way to the eventual return of samples from Bennu.
