An overly dramatic video from NASA demonstrates how the space agency plans to position an asteroid in lunar orbit then send astronauts to collect samples.
The video begins with the asteroid already orbiting the moon, having been brought there by a robotic capture vehicle. Using the yet-to-be-completed Orion capsule, astronauts would spend nine days traveling to meet up with the captured asteroid. After using the moon’s gravity to slingshot towards the asteroid, astronauts would spend up to six days collecting samples and taking photos. Then it’s another lunar slingshot and a ten day trip home before splashing down in the ocean.
