Images of Asteroid 'Triton' Acquired by Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa2

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that the asteroid explorer Hayabusa2 successfully completed a flyby of the asteroid 'Triton' as its first asteroid exploration during its extended mission. At 18:35 on July 5th, JAXA confirmed that Hayabusa2's status was normal.

Furthermore, Hayabusa2 successfully acquired images and scientific data of the asteroid 'Triton'.

JAXA Press Release Images of Asteroid 'Triton' Acquired by Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa2

[Chiba Institute of Technology's Center for Planetary Exploration and Hayabusa2]

Members of the Center for Planetary Exploration have participated in the development, operation, and scientific output of almost all observation instruments aboard Hayabusa2.

Notably, Principal Investigator Hiroki Chiaki is leading the development and operation of the Laser Altimeter (LIDAR) and a unique science proposal to detect dust around asteroids using it. Principal Investigator Chiaki is also responsible for data processing for the Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRS3) and the development of numerical models for the Thermal Infrared Imager (TIR).

Additionally, Senior Researcher Manabu Yamada plays a significant role in the development and observation planning of the Optical Navigation Camera (ONC), which is essential for asteroid observation and spacecraft operation, as well as in the analysis of the acquired data.

Related Links

* Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa2 (The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) * Hayabusa2 Extended Mission (Project Site) * Planetary Defense * Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa2 (Chiba Institute of Technology, Center for Planetary Exploration)