Artist's impression of the Hayabusa probe. Image: JAXA
The first ever sample of asteroid material to be harvested in space may have been returned by the Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa.
Dispatched in 2003, Hayabusa made the seven-year round trip to Itokawa asteroid before landing in the West Australian desert in June this year. After months of analysis, scientists have confirmed tiny dust particles found in the capsule are extra-terrestrial, however they are yet to confirm whether the matter comes from the asteroid itself.
Further analysis will be conducted by JAXA, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, before the final results will be released. The Hayabusa probe encountered several problems on its mission, including a fuel leak and an encounter with a solar flare.
Toby Tat
November 13, 2010
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