Success of Asteroid "Triton" Flyby in Hayabusa2 Extended Mission Announced

Following the announcement by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) of the successful flyby of asteroid "Triton" during the extended mission of the asteroid explorer "Hayabusa2," we would like to inform you about the NEC Group's initiatives in this mission.

Around 6:30 PM on July 5 (Japan Standard Time), "Hayabusa2" successfully observed "Triton" up close using its cameras, passing at a distance of approximately 800m from the center of asteroid 2001 CC21 (nickname: Triton) at an ultra-high speed of about 5.3 km/s (relative velocity to the asteroid) as planned.

"Hayabusa2" was launched in 2014 and has continued its extended mission with the explorer itself after achieving sample return from the asteroid surface in 2020, proceeding with long-term deep space navigation for new asteroid exploration. This "Triton" flyby exploration is part of this extended mission, aimed at demonstrating high-precision trajectory guidance technology and accumulating technologies applicable to intentional trajectory changes to asteroids. Furthermore, "Hayabusa2" aims to arrive at (rendezvous with) its final destination, asteroid "1998 KY26," in 2031 for exploration.

Since being selected as the manufacturer of "Hayabusa2" in 2012, the NEC Group has been involved in the development, manufacturing, testing, and operational support of the explorer system. From the exploration of asteroid "Ryugu" and its return to Earth to the subsequent extended mission, the NEC Group has been involved in this mission through technologies that support the long-term operation of the explorer. Asteroid flyby exploration requires extremely accurate explorer navigation and trajectory control technologies, and the NEC Group's advanced technologies have contributed to the success of this "Triton" flyby.

The extended mission requires understanding the explorer's status with limited resources and continuing operations over a long period while maintaining necessary functions. Based on its expertise in spacecraft systems, the NEC Group contributes to the continuation of the mission through technical support for maintaining the explorer's health and stable operation.

The NEC Group will continue to support JAXA's deep space exploration and other space science fields, while working to promote the utilization of space in Japan and contribute to the advancement of space development.

Related Links

• JAXA Press Release Images of Asteroid "Triton" Acquired by Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2026/07/20260706-3_j.html

• NEC Group "Hayabusa2 Extended Mission" Introduction Page

https://jpn.nec.com/ad/cosmos/hayabusa2/article/mission.html

• Challenge to Space "Hayabusa2"

https://jpn.nec.com/ad/cosmos/hayabusa2/index.html

Contact Information:

NEC Corporation Social Infrastructure Planning Division

E-Mail: [email protected]