Asteroid Sample Return Pioneer
Hayabusa2 successfully collected samples from two sites on asteroid Ryugu in 2019 — including the first-ever subsurface sample from an asteroid, obtained by detonating a copper impactor to create an artificial crater then descending into it. The 5.4 grams of material returned to Earth in December 2020 have revealed amino acids and other organic compounds that predate the solar system.
Extended Mission to 1998 KY26
Rather than decommission a healthy spacecraft, JAXA redirected Hayabusa2 toward tiny asteroid 1998 KY26 — a fast-spinning body just 30 metres across rotating once every 10.7 minutes. This encounter in 2031 will test technologies for approaching extremely small, rapidly rotating objects — crucial for future planetary defence.
Mission Timeline
2014-12-03
Launch on H-IIA from Tanegashima
2018-06-27
Arrived at asteroid Ryugu
2019-02-22
First touchdown and sample collection
2019-04-05
Created artificial crater with impactor
2020-12-06
Sample capsule returned to Earth
2031-07
Expected arrival at 1998 KY26