Hayabusa2 probe flies past asteroid in rehearsal for planetary defense

Japan’s Hayabusa2 space probe completed a flyby of the near-Earth asteroid Torifune on Sunday, testing techniques that could one day help deflect dangerous space rocks. The mission marks the latest milestone for the spacecraft, which previously returned samples to Earth from another asteroid six years ago.

According to Japan’s space agency JAXA, the flyby observation was carried out as scheduled and went off without a hitch. Phys reported that the maneuver was designed as a trial run for technology aimed at protecting the planet from potential asteroid impacts.

PhysJapan space probe skims asteroid in test for planetary defense

“a test mission for technology that could help protect the planet from space rocks.”

The flyby adds a new layer of utility to the Hayabusa2 mission, which has already demonstrated its ability to collect and deliver extraterrestrial material. Now the probe is using its instruments to gather data on Torifune’s orbit and composition, knowledge that could inform future deflection strategies.

With the Torifune encounter complete, Hayabusa2 continues its long journey toward its next destination, carrying on the work that began with its historic sample return, as NHK reported.