Japan’s Hayabusa2 Probe to Flyby Torifune Asteroid in Extended Mission

Japan’s space agency JAXA revealed plans for Hayabusa2’s next maneuver. The probe will conduct a flyby of the asteroid named Torifune. This operation follows the mission’s successful sample‑return from Ryugu. The flyby will gather images and scientific data of the asteroid’s surface. Torifune’s composition offers clues about the early solar system. The maneuver extends Hayabusa2’s operational life beyond its primary goals. Data collected will be shared with the international research community. JAXA aims to use the findings to inform future asteroid exploration. The mission timeline places the flyby later this year, according to officials.