NASA is troubleshooting an unexpected challenge while accessing asteroid samples recently returned by its trailblazing OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Technicians aim to carefully extract material caught in the probe's TAGSAM robotic arm without exposing it to contamination. But opening the container has hit an obstacle - with two locked parts not budging as expected.

Retrieved from near-Earth asteroid Bennu in 2020, the extraterrestrial cargo may hold organic molecules and insights into early solar system formation. To prevent alteration, scientists examine the grains in nitrogen glove boxes through specialized port holes.

Unfortunately, standard tools for unlatching TAGSAM's casing haven't worked on two stuck mechanisms. Forcing the container risks spilling precious particles, concerning researchers eager to begin analysis.

Engineers are now assessing options to finesse the stuck fittings loose without breaching stringent clean protocols. This could mean devising new utensils able to reach the tiny crevices. The team may also attempt unusual combinations of existing gear after rehearsing the techniques in simulations.

While not jeopardizing the mission's success, since abundant sample material lies elsewhere, the sticky latch exemplifies unexpected challenges arising on the new frontier of asteroid mining. As NASA pushes boundaries, inventive solutions must meet unprecedented situations.

Through careful creativity, the agency hopes to maintain Bennu specimens' pristine state as scientists prepare to extract secrets from early space concealed inside. Even seemingly simple operations require meticulous ingenuity when handling compounds irreplaceable in human history.

But Puzzle-solving is par for the course when your materials traverse billions of miles to land in labs eagerly awaiting their debut.