Hayabusa2 completes Torifune asteroid flyby, on track to 2031 target
TL;DR
Japan's Hayabusa2 completed a high-speed flyby of the Torifune asteroid as part of its Extended Mission, with data confirming success and potential image release; the probe continues toward its final target in 2031 and aims to advance close-approach technology for planetary defense.
- Japan's Hayabusa2 probe completes flyby of Torifune asteroid | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News nhk.or.jp
- Japanese fridge-sized probe flies near asteroid to test planet defence South China Morning Post
- Hayabusa2 flies past asteroid as Japan aims to acquire data for planetary defense The Japan Times
- Kyodo News Digest: July 5, 2026 Japan Wire by Kyodo News
- Hayabusa2 Makes Closest Approach to Asteroid Torifune News On Japan
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