Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2, designed to collect samples from asteroids, went into protection mode (safe mode) During his extended mission in interplanetary space.
Initially the mission was extremely successful: In December 2020 the year Hayabusa2 delivered to Earth specimens from Rugu asteroid, which was an important achievement for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the world scientific community, which was given the opportunity to study material from the early solar system.
After returning the sample capsule, the main vehicle went on an extended mission to another asteroid. Its next target is a small, nearly spherical asteroid 1998 KY26, to which he must reach in 2031 year.
However, the mission is now facing problems: 21 In March, the probe detected an anomaly in its systems and automatically went into protective mode, as reported in a post on the official page of the Hayabusa2 mission on the X social network in April.
Despite this, the connection between the apparatus and the Earth remains stable, and JAXA experts analyze the situation and its possible consequences for the continuation of the mission. There have been no new official updates from the agency since this message.
Briefly about the Hayabusa2 mission
- The launch took place in December 2014 year.
- In June 2018 year, the probe entered the orbit of asteroid Ryugu.
- For 18 months he conducted research: carried out landings, launched mini-rovers and collected soil samples.
- In November 2019 Hayabusa2 began its journey back to Earth.
- The sample capsule successfully landed in Australia's Woomera area in December 2020.
- After that, the main vehicle was reprogrammed for a second scientific mission, which will last until 2031 year.