A high-resolution global basemap of (101955) Bennu

In early 2019, NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) mission surveyed asteroid (101955) Bennu with a collection of instruments, including the OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite (OCAMS) PolyCam imager. Using PolyCam panchromatic images, we constructed a globally controlled basemap of Bennu at an approximate ground sample distance of 5 cm with a mean spatial accuracy of similar to 30 cm. The basemap was photometrically normalized using a Minneart phase angle correction. New mapping methods were developed to combine images of Bennu's irregular shape and extremely rough surface into a nearly seamless mosaic. Here we present the global basemap of Bennu and discuss the image processing techniques used to construct a high-resolution mosaic of an irregular small body.

Automated summary

In early 2019, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission surveyed asteroid Bennu using PolyCam imager to construct a globally controlled basemap with high spatial accuracy. New mapping methods were developed to combine images of Bennu's irregular shape and rough surface into a seamless mosaic. The techniques used in creating a high-resolution mosaic of the small body are discussed in this study.