On 5 July 2010, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) updated their website with the statement (translated into English):
Particles detected within Hayabusa’s sample container
Particles have been detected inside the Hayabusa sample container, a process which began on June 24 at the Sagamiharashi campus’ curation centre. However, it is still unknown whether the particles belong to Itokawa or Earth, and tests will continue to identify its properties.
Two new images have been released by JAXA at: http://hayabusa.jaxa.jp/press/. The images are dated July 5 1500 (two links at the bottom of the page).
- According to JAXA, the first photo (dated 28/6) shows the sample container after removing the cover, which was filmed through the window of the vacuum chamber. It was taken on June 28. We can see some gray particles and white ones. Scientists believe them as particles or dust that came in during the ground operations or inside the spacecraft, though they are going to analyse the particles carefully comparing with the ground dust samples.
- The second photo (dated 29/6 and shown above) shows the microscopic view of a minute particle found in the sample catcher being picked up by a quartz manipulator. It was taken on June 29. They found two particles of about 10 micrometers in size during the survey on a surface portion in sample catcher Chamber A, which was used in the second touch-down of the asteroid Itokawa. Note that the black part is the shadow. Scientists are continuing survey of Chamber A for some weeks, followed by the survey of Chamber B.
Scientists are busy on the curation work. In the coming months, JAXA have said they may release reports of the curation work periodically.
RAPID ROUNDUP
Professor Trevor Ireland is Associate Director for Earth Chemistry at The Australian National University in Canberra.
“Hayabusa has come a long way and represents a major achievement by JAXA to return a sample return capsule from the asteroid to Earth. It’s very encouraging that the chamber does not look contaminated and there’s a good prospect of isolating asteroid grains. I’m certainly looking forward to all that these grains can tell us about asteroid Itokawa.”
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For further information on the Hayabusa space capsule, try our capsule landing Resource page or media briefing page from June 2010.