We had to create unique tools
After four months, a team of NASA engineers was finally able to open the lid of the capsule containing samples of the asteroid Bennu.
Recall that two of the 35 bolts that secured the lid stood in the way of the scientists. Due to very specific conditions — The capsule is located in a small hermetic chamber — and the need to exclude contamination of asteroid samples with terrestrial microorganisms or microparticles, engineers had to come up with various non-trivial methods. And finally everything worked out.
Engineers designed and manufactured two new multi-component tools to further disassemble the TAGSAM camera head. These instruments include special attachments made from a specific grade of surgical non-magnetic stainless steel.
Prior to testing, the Johnson team tested new bolt removal tools and methods in a special laboratory. After each successful test, the engineers increased the torque values and repeated the testing procedures until the team was confident that the new tools could handle the task.
There are still several stages of disassembling the module ahead, but they should no longer cause any problems. Recall that the OSIRIS-REx mission went to the asteroid Bennu, which is located approximately 120 million km from Earth, to take soil samples and return them to Earth. The mission was successful, and the probe itself set off for a new target. Interestingly, scientists initially set the task — deliver at least 60 g of soil. It turned out that even on the outside of the chamber more than 70 g had accumulated, and there should be even more inside the chamber.