Mission Artwork

 

Hayabusa asteroid sample return mission

Older version

 

Japan's Hayabusa asteroid sample return mission

This is my first version showing Hayabusa is touching it's sample collection horn to the surface of asteroid Itokawa. The tiny MINERVA rover can be seen hopping (below, right). There is also a small blue target marker on the surface that Hayabusa released to guide it safely to the surface. The entire sample collection process only takes one second. It will then bring the asteroid sample back to Earth.

NASA and JPL are assisting in the Hayabusa mission.

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Hayabusa touchdown in stereo 3D

3D image

 

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