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Hayabusa probe apparently succeeded in collecting asteroid surface samples

The Hayabusa probe successfully touched down on asteroid Itokawa shortly before 8 a.m. Japan time Saturday. Though it stayed for only a few seconds on the faraway asteroid the time was long enough to collect powder from its surface. After it apparently succeeded in collecting surface samples, the probe lifted off again to transmit data to mission controllers.

 More data confirming the mission’s success is expected later in the day after scientists have examined additional transmissions from the probe.

 But scientists won’t know if Hayabusa actually collected surface samples until it returns to Earth. It is expected to touch down in the Australian Outback in June 2007.

posted by: kyawoo at 02:44 | link | comments (2) |
unmanned missions, asteroids

Comments:

#1  26 November 2005 - 03:11

 

It was my understanding, from a different article, that there was going to be another attempt at landing upon the asteroid before making the return trip home.

Aheadau

#2  26 November 2005 - 10:59

 

This is the second and last attempt. Hayabusa will be heading home soon.

kyawoo

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