Japanese Scientist Optimistic Space Vehicle Approaching Earth Smoothly

Scientists are optimistic that the Japanese spacecraft is getting closer to Earth from Earth on a year-long journey from a distant asteroid carrying soil samples and data that could provide clues about the origin of the solar system.

The spacecraft Hayabusa2 left the asteroid Ryugu, located about 300 million km from Earth, a year ago and is expected to reach Earth and drop a capsule containing valuable samples in southern Australia on December 6.

Yuichi Tsuda, manager of the Hayabusa2 Project Team said, “luckily, the rover is now flying smoothly, and the very careful operation has continued to this day.”

Scientists at the Japan Space Exploration Agency (JAXA) believe that the samples, particularly those taken from beneath the asteroid’s surface, contain valuable data that is not exposed to radiation in space and other environmental factors. Scientists are particularly interested in analyzing the organic matter in Ryugu’s soil samples.

JAXA plans to drop the capsule containing the sample into a remote and sparsely populated area of ​​Australia about 220,000 km from space, a challenge that requires precise control.

The capsule is covered with a heat shielding material, which turns into a fireball when it enters the atmosphere at an altitude of 200 km from Earth. At about 10 km from the ground, a parachute will open to prepare for landing, and a beacon signal will send its position.

JAXA staff has set up parabolic antennas at several locations in the target area to pick up signals, while setting up marine radars, drones and helicopters to assist in the search and retrieval of the capsule.

Scientists say there are traces of carbon and organic material in the soil samples of the asteroid. JAXA hopes to find clues to how this material is distributed in the solar system and its relation to life on planet Earth. [lj/lt]

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