The probe initially landed on Ryugu in February 2019 to seize asteroid material by firing a “bullet” into the surface, kicking up dust and rocks. It was initially meant to have done that mission in October 2018, but up-to-date surface information prompted a alter in tactic. Hayabusa2 itself will upcoming study the small asteroid 1998 KY26, whilst the probe is not anticipated to get there until eventually July 2031.
Offered the asteroid samples pan out as promised, they could be quite worthwhile. Ryugu could assist have an understanding of the nature of the early Solar Process and discover the chance that asteroids seeded the Earth with natural and organic make a difference. This will not be the only mission of its variety, possibly. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission a short while ago captured its own asteroid sample and should really return it in September 2023. Never be stunned if humanity learns a whole lot extra about its celestial community in the upcoming several years.
These days (twelve/six) at 04:31 JST, all functions related to the re-entry of the capsule have finished. The operation was excellent. We will now transfer into science observation functions, and observe the Earth & moon with scientific instruments.
— HAYABUSA2@JAXA (@haya2e_jaxa) December five, 2020