★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.3.4) ★

This week, we conducted the “Descent Observation” operation (DO-S01) from 3/6 to 3/8 in order to observe a future touchdown candidate site (S01) in detail. This was the first descent to an altitude of 22m since the 2/22 touchdown. In the first half of the week, we adjusted the pressure of the RCS (thrusters) and found them to be in good condition. As the Optical Navigation Camera (ONC-W1) appeared to be dusty from the previous touchdown, we did not know if there would be any issues during this descent with the camera or other instruments that we would have to deal with. Luckily, all devices worked normally and we obtained detailed data of S01. The spacecraft returned to the home poison on 3/9 and we are now preparing for the next “crater search” operation (CRA1).

2019.3.13 C.H.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.2.25) ★

Immediately after returning to the “home position” at a 20km altitude after the TD1-L08E operation on 2/23, we began a BOX-C operation in which the spacecraft descends to an altitude of about 5km. As one of the observations in this this operation, we observed around the Otohime boulder. We also downloaded the data obtained by the last touchdown operation (TD1-L08E) and from this BOX-C operation, as well as checking the health of the bus equipment for next week’s "Descent Observation” operation (DO-S01). We had many days of bad weather, and the operation time at the Usuda station was shortened due to wet snow in a late winter. Despite this, we managed many operations in a short time. The spacecraft began to rise back towards the home position on 3/1.

2019.3.6. T.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.2.18) ★

In the first half of this week, the spacecraft was at an altitude of 20km as we made final preparations for landing before beginning the descent at 2/21. And on 2/22 at 07:29 JST, we finally touched down on Ryugu. It was a long week for the team members! Until just before the start of the descent, we examined every aspect of landing plan to remove all doubts and increase our level of confidence. We polished the landing sequence to perfection! The team’s all-out battle was rewarded in the best possible way. We are all looking forward to the report of the results.

We had to use a little ingenuity for the motion of Hayabusa2 after touchdown. The spacecraft rose obliquely after touchdown due to the angle of the ground. This meant that in order to return to the home position, it was necessary to exert a force in a direction difficult to achieve due to the orientation of the spacecraft thrusters. We therefore added a twist in the spacecraft attitude by performing a 1/20 turn about the Y-axis and 1/6 turn about the Z-axis before firing the thrusters, and then reversing this twist to return to the original position. This change in attitude allowed the thrusters to fire efficiently. Hayabusa2 achieved a perfect somersault over Ryugu --like a “lunar somersault”— and then returned to the home position in a dignified manner. It was an ingenious performance to the end. The Project Team are currently evaluating the technical score of the touchdown operation. For the artistry score, please evaluate, everyone!

2019.2.26 Y.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.2.11) ★

We had no special events this week but continued with normal operations for the spacecraft. We also made the final preparations for touchdown scheduled for next week. It is finally time to visit the surface.

2019.2.19 M.Y

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.2.4) ★

This week, operations were carried out using the Goldstone, Madrid and Cebreros ground stations, as well as at Usuda. Preparations for touchdown are also steadily proceeding. On February 6, we held a press briefing at the JAXA Tokyo office to announce the touchdown time as February 22 around 8:00am JST and the touchdown location. The location is an area named L08-E1, just beside the target marker landing. Because the width is only about 6m here, very precise navigation guidance is necessary, but our examination has confirmed that this is possible.

2019.2.12 M.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.1.28) ★

Hayabusa2 returned to the home position (HP) on 1/31 from the BOX-B operation which observed the north pole of Ryugu. At the HP, we carried our regularly performed observations for one rotation period. The distance of the Sun from Ryugu varies from 0.96au to 1.42au (1 au is the average distance between the Sun and Earth, about 150 million km). The angle formed by the Sun, Ryugu and the Earth (equivalent to the SPE angle) also varies from 0 degrees (at the conjunction time) to a maximum of about 40 degrees. Depending on the current solar distance and solar angle, the characteristics of the reflected sunlight observed by the ONC and the characteristics of the thermal radiation observed by the TIR vary. We therefore observe Ryugu regularly from the HP because it is helpful to acquire data under different observation conditions. The observations on 1/31 were particularly valuable as the Sun’s distance about 1.42 au (near aphelion: the furthest distance) while the SPE angle was 10.1°.

Due to the relative positions of the Sun, Earth and Ryugu, the operation start time at the Usuda ground station is now so early that it is before the first train in the morning! The person in charge of operations and “Commander-san” who is responsible for sending commands to the spacecraft, are not able to reach the campus in time, so we first started acquiring telemetry data only from the Usuda station. Then in Sagamihara, we began our command operations a little later. We call operations like this “ripuro-nyukan”, which indicates that the telemetry is received automatically at the beginning of the operation. It is helpful for extremely cold mornings…

2019.2.6 T.O.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.1.21) ★

This week was the tour or “BOX-B” operation. Here, the spacecraft’s altitude is lowered from the Home Position (HP) by about 2km and shifted towards the north pole by about 9km. We moved slowly over several days, arriving on 1/24. In the previous BOX-B operation, we observed the south pole hemisphere of the asteroid, so this time we moved to observe the north pole region from above. We stayed at that location for about 1 day to make scientific observations, after which a ΔV (acceleration) was performed and we are now returning to the HP (schedule to arrive at HP on 1/31). Observations were made with all scientific instruments; ONC, TIR, NIRS3 and LIDAR. Working with both the Goldstone and Madrid ground stations, as well as Usuda, we were able to acquire the observational data over the weekend. We also gathered additional valuable data, including a health check for the ONC and dark imaging from the TIR during the tour.

2019.01.29 M.H.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.1.14) ★

On 1/16, we conducted a prolonged injection test for the RCS (chemical thrusters) in preparation for the SCI (impactor) operation. After separating the impactor in the SCI operation, the spacecraft will swiftly hide behind the asteroid to avoid flying debris generated by the explosion. This involves a RCS thruster injection for about 20 seconds in the ±X and ±Z direction, during which time a translational force of several 10s N will be applied to the spacecraft. This test checked whether attitude control and the RCS subsystem functions worked as expected under a strong disturbance that is not usually experienced. Although the test was run for about half the final injection time, both the attitude control and RCS subsystem worked almost as expected and we acquired valuable data for the actual SCI operation. In addition, on 1/18 following the operation of the previous week, we tested the vibration of the sampler horn and gathered the remaining necessary data.

2019.1.21 Y.M.

★ Hayabusa2 status (week of 2019.1.7) ★

With solar conjunction and the New Year holiday now over, Hayabusa2 operations have ramped up this week. First was the tour operation. We moved to a region (so-called BOX-B) that is shifted slightly from the usual home position (so-called BOX-A) and conducted a series of scientific observations. By moving along the X-direction, we were able to acquire data with the Sun directly behind the spacecraft. Next was the vibration test for the sampler. The purpose was to confirm that Hayabusa2 will not perform an emergency escape if it incorrectly detects the vibration of the sampler before landing. Hayabusa2 was moved in the sequence of the final descent phase and acquired data on how the sampler vibrates. The final task was to do with the pressure that regulates the chemical propulsion system. In order to perform a ΔV test in the next week in preparation for the future SCI operation, we pre-adjusted the pressure of the fuel and oxidiser tanks to ensure standard values. “Let’s safely land!” Hayabusa2 is working hard to realise the hope of the New Year after a refreshing rest!

2019.1.16 O.M.

★ Hayabusa2 status (2019.1.1 - 6) ★

Our first Hayabusa2 operation of the year was carried out on 1/4. Based on observational data collected during the solar conjunction, we had recalculated the orbit of Ryugu. This recalculated orbit was used after returning from solar conjunction to resume the home position at an altitude of 20km above the asteroid surface. We were able to confirm that using this new orbit allows us to more stably maintain the home position.

2019.1.7 H.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status (2018.12.24 - 31) ★

This week, Hayabusa2 returned perfectly from solar conjunction to hover back at the home position at 20km from the asteroid. Although this situation was similar to when we approached the asteroid in June, it was a tense operation as there was no room for mistakes. However, the spacecraft was able to return to its orbit exactly as planned. New Year’s Eve on the 31st December was the last operation of the year. The distance to the asteroid could be measured once again with LIDAR and we returned to normal operations without any problems. The beginning of the New Year is a holiday in Japan, but full-scale operations will begin with adjustments for the 2019 touchdown operation.

2019.1.3 T.O.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.12.17) ★

This week is the second half of the solar conjunction operation. Signals from the beacon operation are becoming cleaner every day and it is possible to differentiate between “0” and “1” without overlapping the signal multiple times. Telemetry can now also be clearly received, transmitting a detailed account about the state of the spacecraft. Data collected while communication with Hayabusa2 was not possible was saved to onboard memory. This week, we accessed the recorded data for the first time in a long while and we are relieved to confirm that Hayabusa2 has been functioning normally during the period when telemetry could not be received. Although the communication environment is returning to normal operation, the return to the home position (at 20km from the asteroid) is still a little way away.

2018.12.26 Y.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.12.10) ★

In this week, we passed through the middle of solar conjunction on 12.12 and performed three pass operations (periods of connection opportunity with Hayabusa2) from the Usuda ground station and two using overseas stations. At the Usuda station, a telemetry operation was attempted after the “beacon operation”, but only three packets of data could be received. When the Sun moves in-between the spacecraft and Earth, communication is tough! From the overseas stations (Madrid and Goldstone) a ranging operation was performed that used Ka band radio waves. After this we tried to acquire telemetry, but this proved to be impossible. However, we were able to confirm that the command send from the ground reached Hayabusa2 which then operated as instructed. We have now passed through the toughest period and will be able to receive telemetry next week.

2018.12.19. M.H.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.12.03) ★

We are continuing operations for the solar conjunction period, and full scale “Beacon Operations” have begun. This made us realise we are approaching the deepest part of solar conjunction. When the angle between Hayabusa2 and the Sun as seen from the Earth becomes 3 degrees or less, the radio waves transmitted by the spacecraft are affected by plasma near the solar surface. As a result, the intensity of the radio field received on Earth from Hayabusa2 fluctuates greatly and the telemetry which tells us about the state of the spacecraft may not be received. In this case, the “Beacon Operations” become a powerful tool. Information about whether the state of the spacecraft is normal (such as voltage and similar conditions) are represented like a binary number where the “1” and “0” are replaced by the intensity of the transmitted radio waves from Hayabusa2. Therefore, even if the received radio field intensity on Earth is changing, the “1” or “0” can still be read by eye (in fact, we also make it possible to analyse this on a computer). As a result, Hayabusa2 was able to communicate “I am fine”. With this, we are ready to pass through the midst of solar conjunction!

2018.12.12. T.I.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.11.26) ★

To guarantee the safety of the mission during the period of solar conjunction, the spacecraft was inserted into a “conjunction trajectory” last week on 2018.11.23. Hayabusa2 will reach its maximum distance of 110km from Ryugu on 2018.12.11 and return to the home position at an altitude of 20km on 2018.12.29. Since even small errors from the designated trajectory may result in an undesired close approach or —in the worst case— a collision with Ryugu, we have carefully measured and evaluated the spacecraft's trajectory after insertion. On 2018.11.30, Hayabusa2 reached a distance of around 75km from Ryugu and the first Trajectory Control Manoeuvre (TCM01) was performed. TCM01 was a ΔV of 3.8 mm/s given along the z-direction (towards Earth). The effect of the solar corona made the resultant ΔV difficult to assess with the two-way doppler measurement compared with past operations. Despite this difficulty, we could confirm the actual ΔV was successfully given with an estimated value of 3.77 mm/s (99.21% of the designated ΔV). Next orbital manoeuvre is scheduled after the end of the deep conjunction phase on Christmas Day (2018.12.25). During deep conjunction, only attitude manoeuvres are scheduled — one every few days— to ensure the Earth is tracked. Although it will be difficult to obtain telemetry data from the spacecraft during deep conjunction, we will take the chance to gain and accumulate valuable experience from the conjunction operation by performing radio science and communication tests. We will utilize the Ka-band capability as well as introduce “Beacon Operations” to obtain the needed minimum amount of spacecraft data on the ground.

2018.12.03 Y.T.2 & S.S.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.11.19) ★

Hayabusa2 has entered the conjunction period where the spacecraft is very close to the Sun as seen from Earth. In preparation for conjunction in the first half of this week, range and DDOR (Delta Differential One-way Range) measurements were performed for the orbital determination, and attitude control was also done. After rotating the spacecraft attitude by 180 degrees on the z-axis, Ryugu seen with the onboard ONC turned upside down. On Labor Thanksgiving Day (23rd) thrusters were used to put the spacecraft safely into the orbit planned for conjunction. We conducted further range and DDOR measurements and we will verify the precision of the orbit and make fine adjustments. Next week, the angle between Hayabusa2 and the Sun will decrease further and telemetry data can no longer be transmitted.

2018.11.27 R.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.11.12) ★

This week, Hayabusa2 performed the necessary range measurements and ΔV adjustments to maintain an altitude of 20km from the asteroid while preparing for the approaching solar conjunction operation next week. We also conducted science observations with the ONC, TIR and NIRS3, downloaded the acquired data and checked the health of the spacecraft bus equipment. In particular, the RCS (chemical propulsion system), TCS (temperature control system) and AOCS (altitude control system) were checked for use during the operation preparation phase next week. Since the spacecraft will take observations during the period when communication with Japan's Usuda ground station is not possible, the data download will be performed by the overseas groundstations at midnight. As the spacecraft is now in the same direction as the Sun, Hayabusa2 will be followed by the dayside country on Earth. This is like the poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa, entitled “Morning Relay”:
“We are relaying morning, from longitude to longitude, taking turns protecting the spacecraft”.

2018.11.20 S.H. & M.A.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.11.05) ★

After completing important operations such as TD1-R3 and BOX-C2, the spacecraft returned to the home position at an altitude of 20km. This week, we performed a health check for the optical navigation cameras (ONC), the thermal infrared imager (TIR) and the near infrared spectrometer (NIRS3). Although we normally image Ryugu, for these tests we changed the spacecraft attitude to intentionally remove the asteroid from the field of view and image deep space (a so-called ‘dark observation’). Observing dark deep space allows us to investigate the level of noise in the observation equipment. This will be the third dark observation after arriving at Ryugu.

2018.11.13 N. S.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.10.29) ★

Our second “BOX-C” operation began on 10/27, immediately after returning to the 20km altitude home position from the “TD1-R3” operation. This time was a special operation in two steps; BOX-C1 where the spacecraft descended to an altitude of about 5.1km and BOX-C2, with descent to about 2.2 km. Arrival at BOX-C1 occurred as scheduled on 10/30 and we completed observations using the laser altimeter and optical cameras. We arrived at BOX-C2 on 11/1 with the objective of photographing the TM (Target Marker) that was successfully dropped during TD1-R3, and to accurately identify its position. The spacecraft descended over the sub-solar point where the spacecraft, Sun and TM on the surface of Ryugu all line up. The spacecraft captured an image at an altitude of about 2.5km with the Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic (ONC-T), and then withdrew after descending to an altitude of about 2.2 km. The result was a huge success! The retroreflective material of the TM reflected sunlight and made the TM glow in the image. This is another step forward for the TD1 operation at the beginning of next year. The spacecraft then slowly rose to save fuel and returned to the home position on 11/5.

2018.11.6 Y.T.2

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.10.22) ★

Making maximum use of the data obtained during TD1-R1-A, the TD1-R3 operation ran from October 23 - 25. This was a rehearsal that covered the operation sequence until the point just before touchdown. The spacecraft descended to the same region at TD1-R1-A using the LRF (Laser Range Finder); a short-range laser sensors with four beams that measures the distance to the asteroid surface. Using this measurement, the spacecraft automatically kept the altitude constant and hovered above Ryugu, and then dropped a TM (Target Marker). The spacecraft was able to recognise the image of the TM when lit by the FLA strobe light (FLAsh lamp), moving to just above the TM position and continuing to hover. Finally the spacecraft ascended. This result was a huge success! Everyone is feeling relieved as we move into next year.

2018.10.30. F.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.10.15) ★

At midnight on October 15 during the TD1-R1-A operation, the spacecraft reached an altitude of about 20m from the asteroid surface and then rose to return to the home position. With this operation, we were able to confirm the performance of the LRF (Laser Ranger Finder), which is a laser sensor for close range, and were also able to acquire more images of the surface of the asteroid. We are now busy analyzing the data from TD1-R1-A and confirming the procedure again for the next touchdown rehearsal (TD1-R3) in the next week.

2018.10.21 F.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.10.08) ★

On October 8, the spacecraft returned to the home position at remained there for this week. Project members made the final preparations for the second touchdown rehearsal (TD1-R1-A). Images taken by MASCOT were released by the MASCOT team and the surface conditions of Ryugu were even more apparent. From October 14, the TD1-R1-A operation began.

2018.10.16 M.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.10.01) ★

Preparation for the MASCOT separation operation began on September 30 and descent began around noon JST on October 2. On October 3 at 10:57:20 JST, MASCOT was deployed at an altitude of 51m. MASCOT then landed on the surface of Ryugu and proceeded to operate for about 17 hours. The spacecraft then returned to the home position after staying for about 1 day at an altitude of around 3km. Originally, we planned to reach the home position on October 5, but due to the forecast of a typhoon approaching Japan at the weekend, this was delayed until October 8.

2018.10.16 M.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status (the week of 2018.09.24) ★

This week, the MINERVA-II1 rovers that landed on the asteroid last week sent images from the asteroid surface. No regolith was seen in these images, only a shocking scenery of large and small boulders. On the other hand, the scenes of sunlight on the asteroid and the rover hopping were both very beautiful and dynamic. Next week is the deployment of the MASCOT lander. The descent operation is always a nervous time and we want to deliver the lander steadily and carefully. (Regolith: fine grain sediments).

2018.10.01 S.N.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.09.17）★

This week was very exciting. On September 19, preparation began for the separation of the MINERVA-II1 rovers. Descent from the home position began at around 14:00 JST on September 20. On September 21 after 13:00 JST, the two MINERVA-II1 rovers, Rover-1A and Rover-1B separated from the spacecraft. After this, the spacecraft rose and returned to the home position at around 15:00 JST on September 22. After separation, we attempted communication with MINERVA-II1. By September 22, images and data confirmed that both rovers had landed on Ryugu and that at least one was hopping and moving. We published a press release on September 22, releasing the situation of MINERVA-II1 and the acquired images. The Project Members were also very impressed by these images sent from MINERVA-II1.

2018.09.25. M.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.09.10）★

The first half of the week was devoted to the landing rehearsal operation (TD1-R1). The operation was suspended at an altitude of 600m, and the spacecraft returned to the base camp 20 km home position. Although TD1-R1 was interrupted, we were able to see the response of Hayabusa2 at low altitude and gain a valuable image of the landing candidate area at high resolution. The Project Team feels that we are narrowing down the unexplored areas step by step. Our analysis of this data continues for the upcoming rover separation and landing operation.

2018.09.17 Y.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.09.03）★

Last week, we started moving from “BOX-B” and returned to the home position for the spacecraft (“BOX-A”) as scheduled. We have continued to observe the asteroid everyday using the onboard cameras, while frantically preparing for the first touchdown rehearsal that will begin from Sept. 11 and the other operations that will follow. This next descent operation will take about two days to complete, but the preparatory work is taking several dozen times that. To get the best results from this preparation, we need to concentrate through this next week.

2018.09.11. T.S.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.8.27）★

Hayabusa2 has completed operation in BOX-B; observing the asteroid while moving laterally up to 9km while remaining at an altitude of about 20km. As the first rehearsal for touchdown is scheduled to start on 09/11, the spacecraft is now returning to the descent start position. In the first touchdown rehearsal, the spacecraft will descend to 30m or less from the asteroid surface to acquire a more detailed image of the primary touchdown candidate point, L08, and the surroundings. The distance to the asteroid will be measured for the first time using the LRF (Laser Range Finder); a short-distance laser sensor that is used for touchdown. This will be the first time the LRF has been used to measure distance since launch.

2018.09.04 F.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.8.20）★

The spacecraft is currently operating in BOX-B. On August 23, we announced to the media that the point denoted “L08” near the asteroid equator had been selected as the candidate site for the touchdown of Hayabusa2. However, the surface of Ryugu is covered with boulders, so we need to continue gathering and considering information so that we can touchdown safely. The MINERVA-II-1 and MASCOT lander decided to land at mid-latitude sites, N6 and MA-9. MINERA-II-1 separation is scheduled for September 21, and MASCOT on October 3. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of data these will collect!

2018.8.28 S.N.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.8.13）★

After returning from the Gravity Measurement Operation, Hayabusa2 operated in BOX-A (the home position). Japan experienced very unsettled weather this week, with thunderstorm around the Usuda Deep Space Centre. In addition to this, thunderstorm occurred at US Goldstone ground station when we operated Hayabusa2 from there. Weather at the ground stations is concerning. Also this week was an active discussion on landing locations. On August 17, a large number of international Project Members gathered to engage in this debate. From August 18, BOX-B operations began and the spacecraft starting moving from BOX-A.

2018.8.21 M.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.8.6）★

From August 5 - 7 this week we performed the “Gravity Measurement Descent” operation. This was the second operation in which Hayabusa2 descended towards the asteroid using the same technique as for landing. The final altitude was 851m! At this close approach, the gravity of Ryugu could be sufficiently felt to be measured and we were able to take valuable close-up images. Now at ISAS, researchers are gathering from Japan and abroad. Sagamihara is passionate about the scientific debate on this brand-new astronomical object for humanity.

2018.8.13 Y. T.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.7.30）★

From our descent through BOX-C to an altitude of about 6km last week, we made a fleeting return to BOX-A at a 20km altitude. Then this week, we conducted the “Medium Altitude Observation” operation, which is the first critical operation after arrival. Unlike BOX-C, we descended to an altitude of about 5km in 24 hours while performing strict position control, then hovered at the same altitude for 1 asteroid rotation cycle while observing the asteroid. As the first critical operation, it was a tense period but the operation safely succeeded and I think gave momentum for future operations. Next week, we will implement the “Gravity Measurement Operation” which is a second critical operation.

2018.8.6. T.S.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.7.23）★

This week, we returned from the 6km altitude “BOX-C” to “BOX-A”, staying at an altitude of 20km±1km while images taken at BOX-C were downloaded. The images released on July 25 showed a detailed view of the unevenness of Ryugu’s surface. Meanwhile, we conducted a test on the laser distance measurer, LIDAR, in preparation for the “Middle Altitude Observation Operation”, in which the spacecraft will descend to hover at a 5km altitude and then perform the “Gravity Measurement Descent Operation” which decreases the altitude to just 1km. We are ready!

2018.7.39 F.T.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.7.16) ★

Last week we performed short-term operations at an altitude of about 6 km. This allowed closer observations of Ryugu in more detail and the data downlink is happening now. While usual operations are “BOX-A”, these operations at a different maintenance altitude are called “BOX-C” operations. While we did not keep the order, we will do “BOX-B” operations. Do look forward to these!

2018.7.22 S.N.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.7.9) ★

Operations continue at the Home Position (an altitude of about 20km). Overseas stations as well as the Usuda Deep Space Observatory have also been used for the Ka band downlink and uplink transfer. The ONC-T, LIDAR, NIRS3 and TIR have performed BOX-A (20km altitude) observations, continuing our steady data acquisition.

2018.7.16 M.Y.

★ Hayabusa2 status（the week of 2018.7.2) ★

The first week after arriving at Ryugu has gone by in a flash. Monitoring the landscape of a brand-new astronomical object for humanity while continuing spacecraft operations is a wonderful and amazing experience.

The two main activities this week were:
・Establishing the procedure needed to accurately hover 20km above the asteroid.
・An operation check of the observational instruments when directed towards Ryugu.

The outcome of both activities was good. The LIDAR (Laser altimeter) measured the altitude of the asteroid’s facing surface and the Ka-band communication equipment started sending high speed data through the NASA Deep Space Network. From the Doppler shift of the radio waves sent from Hayabusa2, we could tell that the spacecraft is feeling the gravity of the asteroid. Hayabusa2’s exploration of Ryugu in this first week has been a smooth start.

2018.7.9 Y.T.

We have carried out the second optical navigation trajectory correction manoeuvre (TCM02)

On June 11, 2018 at around09:30 - 10:40 JST, the thrusters were fired several times to give an acceleration of 13 cm/s (x-direction), 1 cm/s (-y-direction), 26 cm/s (z-direction). The distance from the spacecraft to the asteroid during the manoeuvre was about 1320km and their relative speed after TCM02 was about 2.1m/s. Until now, Hayabusa2 was approaching Ryugu from the side. But with TCM02, the asteroid is now directly in front of the spacecraft, along the direction of travel.

Downlink Test Using Ka-band

Today (June 29, 2016), we made a downlink test using Ka-band,and the result was successful. The antenna of DSS26 in Goldstone, DSN (Deep Space Network) of NASA was used and the calibration for the ground station was done today.

We made the first test of Ka-band in the beginning of January 2015, and the test of today was the second time. The distance between the Earth and the spacecraft is about 50 million km, which is about four times larger than the distance at the first test. We are using the X-band (8 GHz) for the daily operation, and we will use the Ka-band (32 GHx) when the spacecraft arrives at Asteroid Ryugu and send the data of Ryugu to us.