Overview

"Hayabusa2" is an asteroid sample return mission led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The main objective of this mission is to collect samples from the C-type asteroid Ryugu and bring them back to Earth. The "Hayabusa2" spacecraft measures approximately 1.0 x 1.6 x 1.25 meters, and when its solar panels are deployed, it spans about 6 meters in width.

"Hayabusa2" was launched on December 3, 2014, and performed an Earth swing-by on December 3, 2015. Subsequently, it arrived at the asteroid Ryugu on June 27, 2018. In 2019, it conducted two touchdowns to collect samples. The sample-containing capsule successfully returned to Earth on December 6, 2020. Currently, "Hayabusa2" has transitioned to an extended mission, planning to approach and observe the asteroid 1998 KY26.

Observation Instruments

ONC-T (Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic)

ONC-T is a camera designed for visible light observations. This camera was used to capture detailed images of Ryugu's surface, helping to analyze its terrain and surface features. ONC-T observes in the visible light range of 400nm to 950nm.

NIRS3 (Near Infrared Spectrometer)

NIRS3 is an instrument that measures near-infrared spectra. It was used to analyze the composition of Ryugu's surface material. NIRS3 observes in the near-infrared range of 1.8μm to 3.2μm, with the capability to detect the presence of water and organic compounds.

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LIDAR is an instrument that measures the distance to Ryugu's surface using lasers. This allowed the spacecraft to accurately determine its altitude and ensured safe landings during touchdown operations. LIDAR uses a laser with a wavelength of 1064nm.

MASCOT (Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout)

MASCOT is a small lander developed jointly by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES). MASCOT landed on Ryugu's surface to measure temperature, magnetic field, and surface physical properties. It is equipped with a wide-angle camera, a magnetometer, a radiometer, and a spectroscopic microscope.

Achievements

"Hayabusa2" successfully returned samples from Ryugu to Earth, promising numerous scientific discoveries. Initial analyses have confirmed the presence of organic matter and traces of water in the samples from Ryugu. These data are expected to significantly contribute to research on the formation and evolution of the solar system and the origins of life.

Mission overview paper

• Tsuda, Y. et al. (2013) Acta Astronautica - System design of the Hayabusa 2—Asteroid sample return mission to 1999 JU3