2023 marked a historic first in space exploration when NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully delivered a sample from the asteroid Bennu back to Earth, giving scientists their first direct look at material collected from an asteroid after a journey of billions of miles spanning seven years.
Technology also captured the public imagination as generative artificial intelligence tools became part of everyday conversation, sparking excitement about new possibilities in creativity, research, and problem-solving.
The summer brought a cultural phenomenon at the movies, as "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" drew audiences back to theaters in record numbers, while the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand showcased the growing global passion for women's football.
Looking back, 2023 showed how curiosity can carry us across the solar system and back, while creativity and imagination continued to light up screens and stadiums around the world.
A brighter side
Notable constructive milestones
The first sample from an asteroid was returned to Earth
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx delivered material from asteroid Bennu for scientific study.
2023 on Wikipedia
Want to explore this subject in more depth?
Read about 2023: Bringing an Asteroid Sample Home on Wikipedia