The Hayabusa2 re-entry capsule is planning to land in the Woomera Prohibited Area in Australia (also previously referred to as the "Woomera desert” by the project) on December 6 this year. Discussions have been ongoing regarding the re-entry process, and we have now received a report from the Australian Government that a permit granting clearance to land has been issued.
The landing clearance is referred to as an AROLSO: Authorisation of Return of Overseas-Launched Space Object. The issue date is August 6, 2020. Official recognition that the capsule will be landing in Woomera is significant progress in implementing the capsule collection! We will continue preparations for the spacecraft operation and capsule collection.
Reference:
JAXA press release: https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2020/08/20200819-1_e.html
Australian release: https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/karenandrews/media-releases/tick-given-asteroid-samples-land-australia
Hayabusa2 Project
2020.08.19