We're heading to an asteroid and we're bringing samples back, according to NASA.

On Friday, spacecraft OSIRIS-REx was put into a slingshot maneuver that will use planet earth as a "gravity-assist" to line up directly with asteroid Beenu, which is in a slightly inclined orbit nearby.

Asteroid Beenu is roughly the height of the Empire State Building.

Before we go any further, rest assured, we asked and NASA confirms:  there is no threat of the asteroid hitting our planet in its current orbit.

OSIRIS-REx is scheduled to arrive at Beenu in the fall of 2018 and attempt to land long enough to collect samples of the space rock.

If all goes as planned, the spacecraft will shuttle the samples back to earth where an exciting parachute landing is expected to take place in Utah in 2023.  

In the above video, NASA scientist Christina Richey tells our Burton Fitzsimmons about this elaborate mission and how the space agency hopes more can be revealed about the beginnings of our solar system.