Japan prepares for asteroid mission Hayabusa2's daring return to earth

Japanese ncy is currently preparing for its Asteroid mission Hayabusa2’s return back home. mission which was launched in 2014 to collect samples from asteroid Ryugu is all set to land later this year. As per astromers, collected material is from nearly 4.6 billion years ago and could provide insights on beginning of life on earth. However, it is a risky mission wherein scientists have to ensure that precious cargo with samples safely reaches ir hands from vacuum of .

landing

Previously, JAXA,  in association with Australian ncy scheduled landing of samples on December 6 2020. According to JAXA, landing site for mission is a 122,000-square-kilometer region of South Australian outback kwn as Woomera Range Complex.

Im of touchdown at asteroid. (Credits: hayabusa2.jaxa.jp)

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mission 

Hayabusa2 reached Ryugu asteroid in June 2018 and descended on asteroid’s surface on February 2019. It n fired a small projectile into ground and scooping surface material into a container. craft n fired an impactor into asteroid from a distance, reby forming a small crater in April 2019. In July 2019, it swooped down again in to grab material ejected by impact. Hayabusa2 finally left its orbit around asteroid in vember 2019 to begin its return journey.

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According to JAXA, capsule containing collected sample would be dropped in December when Hayabusa2 passes by earth. capsule must endure fiery reentry into earth’s atmosphere before parachuting down.  craft is will return back to spae for an extended mission tracking more stars.

For tracking capsule’s touchdown point, Scientists are relying on drone-based reconnaissance and rio beacon, international media reported. Once capsule is found, it will be taken to a nearby building in Woomera called Quick Look Facility from where it would be transported to Japan and Australia for study.

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Im credits: global.jaxa.jp