Rigaku Conducts Elemental Analysis of a Sample Obtained by NASA of the Asteroid Bennu
09 Mayo 2024 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
Rigaku Corporation, a Rigaku Holdings Group company and Rigaku
global solution partner in X-ray analytical equipment (head office:
Akishima, Tokyo; president and representative director: Jun
Kawakami; hereinafter “Rigaku”), has completed analysis of
particles from 101955 Bennu, a near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid
classified as a type B. The analysis was performed using ZSX Primus
IV, a wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.
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ZSX Primus IV (Photo: Business Wire)
The particles from Bennu are a sample obtained by OSIRIS-Rex, a
spacecraft of the United States National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA). This analysis constitutes the second time
Rigaku has been tasked with conducting analysis related to Bennu.
On the first occasion, in December 2023, Rigaku measured water and
carbon content in a sample from the carbonaceous asteroid using
thermoanalysis.
The X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was conducted by the Rigaku
Application Laboratory XRF Analytical Group in the presence of
Professor Hisayoshi Yurimoto of the Faculty of Science, Hokkaido
University, who directed the chemical analysis of samples brought
back from the asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa 2 spacecraft.
The purpose of the analysis was to ascertain the content of
major and trace elements including carbon and oxygen in sample. In
the current measurements, quantitative analysis was performed on 26
elements Results of thermoanalysis and X-ray spectrometry were
combined to learn about the history of Bennu and its similarities
and differences with Ryugu.
The analysis of Bennu is now proceeding by worldwide project
teams. A unique feature of the work of the Japan team, under the
direction of Professor Yurimoto, is the application of
thermoanalysis using thermogravimetry along with mass spectrometry
and X-ray spectrometry using a wavelength dispersive X-ray
fluorescence spectrometer.
One advantage of the Rigaku approach to thermoanalysis is that
quantitative-analytical equipment is used in tandem, enabling
Rigaku to separate and measure each element and type of molecule,
with the result that unprecedented data can be obtained. Moreover,
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry plays an exceptionally vital role:
As the research method shifts toward inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry can
analyze major components such as carbon, oxygen, silicon and sulfur
that are difficult to analyze using ICP-MS.
Professor Yurimoto commented: “The performance of the equipment
is obviously vital, but in the end, what makes the difference is
people. When conducting analysis on the leading edge of the field,
the question of who does the analysis is paramount. I asked Rigaku
to perform the analysis because this company brings to the table
not only outstanding equipment but also superb engineers.”
Rigaku will continue to pursue close partnership with academia,
contributing to the development of society through the advance of
science and technology.
Related information
- Press release regarding thermoanalysis conducted in December
2023 URL:
https://rigaku.com/about/news-and-press-releases/rigaku-analyzes-samples-from-nasa?hsLang=en
Results of Rigaku’s Participation in the Initial Analysis
Project of Ryugu Sample
In June 2019, Rigaku took part in the Ryugu project as a joint
research partner. In 2021, the content percentages of elements in
the sample from Ryugu were determined using ZSX Primus IV, a
wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer.
Measurements using TG-DTA/GC‐MS determined that the moisture
content of the sample from Ryugu differed from that found in
meteorites of carbonaceous chondrite, which are thought to reflect
the mix of elements in the primordial solar system. These data now
serve as the basic data from the Ryugu sample that research groups
around the world are using to conduct a wide range of analyses.
Rigaku’s analytical results are cited in a paper by the chemical
analysis team (led by Prof. Yurimoto) of the initial analysis team
of the Hayabusa 2 mission, and are published in Science, a US-based
scientific journal.
About The Rigaku Group
Since its establishment in 1951, the engineering professionals
of the Rigaku group have been dedicated to benefiting society with
leading-edge technologies, notably including in its core fields of
X-ray and thermal analysis. With a market presence in over 90
countries and some 2,000 employees from 9 global operations, Rigaku
is a solution partner in industry and research analysis institutes.
Our overseas sales ratio has reached approximately 70% while
sustaining an exceptionally high market share in Japan. Together
with our customers, we continue to develop and grow. As
applications expand from semiconductors, electronic materials,
batteries, environment, resources, energy, life science to other
high-tech fields, Rigaku realizes innovations “To Improve Our World
by Powering New Perspectives.” For details, please visit rigaku.com
(As of November 30, 2023)
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Press Contact: Sawa Himeno Head of Communications Dept.,
Rigaku Holdings Corporation prad@rigaku.co.jp +81 90 6331 9843