Japanska sonda proletela je najbliže asteroidu: svemirska agencija

Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe achieved a historic milestone this month by making the closest-ever flyby of a near-Earth asteroid, skimming just 400 meters from the surface of the space rock known as Torifune. The maneuver, conducted on July 5, marked a significant advancement in planetary defense capabilities, demonstrating how future missions might be used to alter the trajectory of potentially hazardous asteroids heading toward Earth. According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the probe came within 744 meters of the asteroid’s center, surpassing earlier projections and breaking the previous record held by a Chinese space probe, which had flown within 770 meters of an asteroid’s surface. The flyby took place at a velocity exceeding 18,000 kilometers per hour, allowing Hayabusa2—a refrigerator-sized spacecraft, to capture high-resolution images of Torifune. These images revealed the asteroid’s unusual structure, resembling a “snowman” composed of two distinct, rounded bodies connected together. This visual detail was previously unknown, offering new insights into the physical characteristics of near-Earth asteroids. JAXA shared these images following the successful mission, highlighting the technological precision required to conduct such a maneuver at such proximity. Hayabusa2’s achievement builds upon its prior accomplishments, including its groundbreaking exploration of the asteroid Ryugu. Launched in 2014, the probe touched down on Ryugu, collected samples, and returned them to Earth in 2020. Those samples, described as “dragon palace” in Japanese, have provided critical data about the early formation of the solar system, dating back over 4.6 billion years. Now, after completing its mission with Torifune, the probe is expected to prepare for another ambitious task: a rendezvous with the asteroid 1998 KY26 in 2031. This upcoming maneuver aims to gather detailed data through either a close flyby or a potential landing, further expanding humanity’s understanding of these celestial bodies. The success of Hayabusa2 aligns with global efforts to develop strategies for planetary defense. In 2022, NASA tested a similar concept by intentionally crashing a spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos, successfully altering its orbital path. This experiment laid the groundwork for international collaboration in mitigating the risks posed by near-Earth objects. JAXA is currently working with the European Space Agency on a joint mission targeting the asteroid Apophis, which will make a close approach to Earth in April 2029. This partnership underscores the growing importance of multinational cooperation in addressing space-related threats. The flyby of Torifune was not merely a technical demonstration, it also provided valuable data on the asteroid’s composition and behavior under extreme conditions. Scientists are analyzing the images and telemetry gathered during the encounter to refine models of asteroid dynamics. Such knowledge could prove crucial in planning future deflection missions should a large object pose a real threat to Earth. JAXA officials emphasized that the results of this mission would contribute to ongoing research and development in planetary protection technologies. Following the successful flyby, the Hayabusa2 team is preparing the probe for its next phase of operations. While specific details of the 2031 rendezvous with 1998 KY26 remain under discussion, the mission is expected to involve advanced imaging systems and possibly sample collection. Engineers are currently assessing the probe’s condition and ensuring its instruments are ready for extended operations in deep space. With each mission, Hayabusa2 continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration, setting new benchmarks for both scientific discovery and planetary safety.