A Japanese probe flew 400 metres from a near-Earth asteroid this month, marking the closest approach ever recorded in such a mission, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The fridge-sized Hayabusa2 spacecraft skimmed asteroid Torifune on July 5, demonstrating critical capabilities for planetary defence and deep-space navigation.
Record-Breaking Flyby Details of Asteroid Torifune
Moving at a speed of more than 18,000 kilometres per hour, the Hayabusa2 probe reached 400 metres from the asteroid’s surface and 744 metres from its centre, JAXA announced.
“The results show that, compared with all the space probes from around the world that have carried out flyby missions, this one passed the closest” to an asteroid, Mimasu told reporters. The Nikkei business daily noted that this achievement breaks the previous flyby record set by a Chinese probe, which came within 770 metres of an asteroid’s surface.
Did you know? Hayabusa2 previously travelled 300 million kilometres to visit the asteroid Ryugu, successfully returning precious samples to Earth in 2020 that provided clues about the solar system’s birth 4.6 billion years ago.
Snowman Shape Revealed in Rare Space Images
Following the successful flyby, JAXA released rare images showing that the space rock resembles a snowman. Captured by a telescopic camera, the black-and-white image showed what appeared to be two round objects joined together. Prior to this encounter, Torifune was known to have an elongated shape, but its fine details remained unknown until the probe’s close approach.
Imaging distant, fast-moving celestial bodies requires precise optical tracking. The data gathered during the Torifune flyby helps space agencies refine their remote-sensing algorithms for future encounters with irregular near-Earth objects.
Planetary Defence and Future Mission Roadmap
The Hayabusa2 mission follows NASA’s successful 2022 test that changed the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos by deliberately smashing a spacecraft into it. Building on these capabilities, JAXA and the European Space Agency have teamed up on another planetary defence mission to explore the asteroid Apophis, which will pass close to Earth in April 2029.
Looking further ahead, JAXA expects Hayabusa2 to attempt a “rendezvous” manoeuvre in 2031. During this operation, the probe will fly alongside or touch down on an asteroid called 1998KY26 to gather detailed data.
Pro Tip for Space Enthusiasts
Track upcoming near-Earth asteroid flybys and planetary defence updates through official mission logs published by space agencies like JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency to follow telemetry data in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close did Hayabusa2 get to asteroid Torifune?
According to JAXA, the probe flew 400 metres from the asteroid’s surface and 744 metres from its centre.
What is the previous record for an asteroid flyby?
According to the Nikkei business daily, the previous record was held by a Chinese probe that flew within 770 metres of an asteroid’s surface.
What is the next target for the Hayabusa2 probe?
JAXA expects the spacecraft to attempt a rendezvous manoeuvre with an asteroid named 1998KY26 in 2031.
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