[REVISION HISTORY]

Hayabusa2 asteroid missions and global efforts

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2026-07-31 19:52 UTC → 2026-08-01 02:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

JAXA confirmed that on 5 July 2026 Hayabusa2 executed an 800‑metre close fly‑by of near‑Earth asteroid Torifune at about 5.3 km s⁻¹ (≈ 17 700 km/h), using its ONC‑T camera, NIRS3 spectrometer, TIR imager and LiDAR. The high‑resolution images revealed a bilobate, “snow‑man” shape and identified the body as a contact binary formed when two smaller asteroids merged millions of years ago. On 31 July 2026 ~~JAXA announced that~~ the probe passed within 400 m of Torifune’s centre (≈ 744 m from the centre), setting a new record for the closest spacecraft fly‑by and surpassing the previous Chinese record of 770 m. Black‑and‑white telescope images ~~released at the time~~ reaffirmed the snow‑man appearance. JAXA scientist Yuya Mimasu said the maneuver demonstrates the capability to divert potentially hazardous objects, while the autonomous navigation system proved it could shorten the approach phase to under a kilometre. During this fly‑by Hayabusa2’s laser LIDAR performed a world‑first surface measurement, further confirming the probe’s precision navigation. The fly‑by data are being downlinked for detailed analysis of surface temperature contrasts and silicate‑rich composition, information that could inform future planetary‑defence strategies. JAXA plans an Earth‑gravity assist in 2027‑28 before targeting the 11‑metre object 1998 KY26 in 2031. The achievement follows NASA’s 2022 kinetic‑impact test on Dimorphos and precedes a joint JAXA‑ESA mission to study asteroid Apophis during its 2029 close approach, reflecting growing international interest in asteroid monitoring and defence technology.

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