The Japanese probe Hayabusa2 sets a new record for approaching an asteroid

The Japanese probe Hayabusa2 performed the closest flyby of an asteroid in the history of space missions on July 5, flying within 400 meters of the asteroid Torifune.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that the probe traveled at a speed of over 18,000 km/h, exceeding the initial forecast of 800 meters. Yuya Mimasu, a researcher at JAXA, emphasized the importance of this record, which surpasses the previous one set by a Chinese probe.

The obtained images show the asteroid Torifune having a shape similar to a snowman, details that were previously unknown. The mission comes after NASA's success in 2022, when it altered the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos. JAXA is collaborating with the European Space Agency for a planetary defense mission targeting the asteroid Apophis, which will pass close to Earth in 2029.

Hayabusa2, launched in 2014, previously brought samples from the asteroid Ryugu, providing valuable information about the Solar System. In 2031, the probe will attempt a close maneuver with the asteroid 1998KY26.