※The application deadline for nodes has been extended.
※Registered campaign "nodes" are listed at the end go the page.
As the Hayabusa2 spacecraft prepares for the flyby exploration of asteroid Torifune, the Hayabusa2 Extended Mission Team (Hayabusa2# Team) are planning to run two campaigns: the "Imagining Torifune" competition, and "Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!". We are inviting applications for "nodes" to act as hosts for these campaigns in their local region.
Science centres, museums, planetariums, public observatories, and other organisations engaged in space-related activities as well as educational institutes such as schools are all eligible to become nodes. Representatives of an organisation that wishes to participate as a node can apply using the application form below. Please note that it is also possible to participate in only one of the two campaigns if preferred.
Node application form
Applications will be accepted at any time until 31 May 2026 → until 30 June
However, the deadline for submissions to the Imagining Torifune Competition is June 21st.
1. Imagining Torifune Competition
Hayabusa2 is aiming to be capture the first detailed images of asteroid Torifune. What might this tiny world look like?
Before the arrival of Hayabusa2 to asteroid Ryugu, we held the "Imagining Ryugu" competition where everyone submitted works of art that depicted how they imagined Ryugu might look. Now we would like you to do the same for Torifune! Each node will host the competition locally and nominate the most outstanding entries to be sent on to the Hayabusa2# team. The Hayabusa2# team will then select a grand prize winner from the nominated entries. The deadline for submitting entries for the competition will be June 21st, when the spacecraft is expected to catch the first glimpse of Torifune. Details regarding the organisation of the competition will be communicated to the participating node organisations.
Reference:
Imagine Ryugu Contest: How to host
Imagine Ryugu Contest: The winning entries
2. Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
What if you could join the Hayabusa2 spacecraft attempting to capture images of the asteroid during the Torifune flyby? Developed by freelance writer/engineer Otsuka Minoru, this virtual reality experience allows you to fly through space and experience the challenge of capturing images at high speed.
Web and smartphone apps are already available, but using a VR headset allows you to experience a fully immersed adventure in three dimensions. Thanks to Mr Otsuka's generosity, the VR app will be provided free of charge to participating nodes. Each node should prepare a VR headset (compatible models: Meta Quest 2, Quest 3 and Quest 3S). While some technical knowledge is required to install the app on the headset, a manual will be provided for reference.
Reference:
Experience the flyby of asteroid Torifune on your PC / smartphone! (site in Japanese)
We very much hope that many of you will participate in these campaigns, and enjoy Hayabusa2's flyby exploration of asteroid Torifune!
Hayabusa2# Project
2026.5.13
Registered nodes for the Torifune flyby campaign
[1] JAXA Sagamihara campus, Communication Hall
Website: https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/visit/
Details:
・On June 13th (Hayabusa Day), we will set up a drawing area in the Communication Hall of Space Science and Exploration and hold an event where visitors can draw an image of Torifune that they imagine.
・You can also experience the Trifune Flyby VR at the same area.
[2] ISAS Mobile VR Node in English
We offer a VR experience of the Torifune flyby. However, the commentary will be in English,
provided by a British researcher from JAXA.
If you are interested, please contact us at z-hayabusa2-contact [at] ml.jaxa.jp
Please note that we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
[3] ＪＸ金属 関崎みらい海星館
(JX Advanced Metals Sekizaki Mirai Kaiseikan Observatory and Planetarium)
Website: https://kaiseikan.jp/
Campaigns: Imagining Torifune Competition
Details: Submission from May 17 until closing time on June 21 (10pm).
[4] 防府市青少年科学館ソラール
(hofu-science-museum-solarHofu Science Museum "Solar")
Website: https://solar-hofu.com/
Campaigns: Imagining Torifune Competition
Details: Submission period is from May 15 to June 21, 2026.
[5] Komukomu-kan, a facility in Fukushima City that nurtures children's dreams.
Website: https://www.f-shinkoukousha.or.jp/comcom/events/4871/
Campaigns: Imagining Torifune Competition
Details: Submission period is from June 1 to June 21, 2026.
[6] 天文仮想研究所VSP
(Virtual Space Program, VR astronomical community)
Website: https://virtualspaceprogram.org/
Campaigns: Imagining Torifune Competition, Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
Details:
・The submission period is from June 1st to June 21st.
・The VR experience will be held on VRChat, a social VR platform (scheduled for July 5th).
[7] やまがた天文台
(Yamagata Astronomical Observatory)
Website: https://sites.google.com/sci.kj.yamagata-u.ac.jp/yao
Campaigns: Imagining Torifune Competition, Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
Details:
・Entries will be accepted during the Yamagata Astronomical Observatory's guided tour hours (until June 20th).
・The VR experience will be held on VRChat, a social VR platform (scheduled for July 5th).
[8] さかもと八竜天文台
(Sakamoto Hachiryu Observatory)
Website: https://hachiryu-astro.com
Campaigns: Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
Details: The event will be held from June 13th (Saturday) to July 5th (Sunday). No reservation is required, but there may be a wait during busy times.
[9] Chiba Institute of Technology, Tokyo Skytree Town®Campus
Website: https://cit-skytree.jp/en/
Campaigns: Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
Details:
・In Area II, the "Planetary Exploration Area," you can experience VR (2D version) anytime from Monday, June 8th.
・At the public lecture on the "Hayabusa2 Trifune Flyby" to be held on July 26th (Sunday), you can experience VR (3D version).
[10] Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/events/202607044579.html
Campaigns: Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
Details:
・Date and Time: Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th, 10:45 AM - 12:30 PM each day
・Approximately 20 people per day; advance reservations required.
・In addition to the VR experience, we will be conducting guided tours of exhibits related to the Hayabusa2 mission within the permanent exhibitions at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).
[11] Institute of Science Tokyo High School, Science Club (Project Sugo-Haya 2)
Website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/events/202607044579.html
Campaigns: Experience the Torifune Flyby in VR!
Details:
・Event dates and times: June 20th and July 4th, 15:00-17:00 (approximately 30 groups)
・Event location: Special tent at the main gate of Institute of Science Tokyo High School
2026.6.11
