宇宙航空研究開発機構 サイトマップ

"To explore mysteries about the birth of the solar system by samples return from asteroid" Primitive Body Missions

Since we consider that "asteroids preserve the condition at the birth of the solar system." we may obtain a clue on the birth of the solar system by returning samples (sample return mission) such as rocks and sand etc. from asteroids and by analyzing them in detail. Asteroid explorer "Hayabusa," which carries such expectations, landed on the asteroid Itokawa in Nov. 2005 and tried to collect samples. Hayabusa made return to the earth in June 2010. The particulate derived from the Asteroids Itokawa were discovered by the capsule that Hayabusa brought back.
Based on the technology obtained through the Hayabusa mission, we will promote plan and research on further asteroid exploration program, and conduct research and development on explorer and exploration technology.

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