Two asteroid encounters occurred this weekend
Japanese Hayabusa2 and Chinese Tianwen-2 visited asteroids over the weekend. Tianwen-2 will attempt to retrieve samples for return to Earth.
The universe provided two notable encounters over the weekend as both Japan's and China's space agencies reached their respective asteroid targets.
Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft, which successfully completed its initial sample-return objective over five years ago, made a successful flyby of an asteroid named Torifune on Sunday. This achievement was part of Hayabusa2's extended mission.
Hours later, the Chinese space agency announced that its Tianwen-2 spacecraft had arrived at its target following a journey of 1 billion kilometers. At this small asteroid, the Chinese craft will attempt to collect samples intended for return to Earth late next year.
These missions highlight ongoing interest and investment in asteroid research and the potential for resource utilization.