In Historic First, Scientists Have Landed Rovers On an Asteroid and They’re Transmitt

Platapus · 09-29-18, 10:25 AM

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/in-h...n-an-asteroid/

[quote] Scientists have just made history by landing the world’s first unmanned drones on an asteroid.

On September 21st, researchers from Japanese space agency JAXA successfully deployed and landed two rovers on the surface of the Ryugu asteroid.

The two robots are now transmitting pictures and information of their surroundings as “the world’s first man-made object to explore movement on an asteroid’s surface.”

The robots, named Rover-1A and Rover-1B are both collectively known as Minerva-II1.

The first image that was transmitted by Rover-1A depicts its dizzying deployment from the Hayabusa2 spacecraft rotating. In the bottom left corner of the image, you can see the surface of the Ryugu asteroid.

The second photo that was released by JAXA shows Rover-1B’s immediate deployment from the spacecraft.

The third photo was taken while Rover-1A was hopping around the surface of the 1-kilometer-wide space rock.

Scientists believe that asteroids contain a treasure trove of information about the solar system’s evolution and history. The two drones will be collecting samples and data from above and below the surface of Ryugu until their scheduled return to Earth in 2020.

“I cannot find words to express how happy I am that we were able to realize mobile exploration on the surface of an asteroid,” said Yuichi Tsuda, Hayabusa2 project manager. “I am proud that Hayabusa2 was able to contribute to the creation of this technology for a new method of space exploration by surface movement on small bodies.”

Takashi Kubota, spokesperson for the Hayabusa2 project, added: “The good news made me so happy.

“The image taken by MINERVA-II1 during a hop allowed me to relax as a dream of many years came true. I felt awed by what we had achieved in Japan. This is just a real charm of deep space exploration.”

Schroeder · 09-29-18, 10:33 AM

Awesome. Strange how quiet our media are considering what wide coverage the Rosetta/ Philae mission got.

em2nought · 09-29-18, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schroeder

Awesome. Strange how quiet our media are considering what wide coverage the Rosetta/ Philae mission got.

Those charlatans are a bit distracted at the moment. Presidents and Judges to crucify don't ya know.

Eichhörnchen · 09-29-18, 10:55 AM

Fabulous post, mate

Skybird · 09-29-18, 11:46 AM

Rover-1A and Rover-1B ? Very creative. I would have called the two Bruce and Willis.

Jimbuna · 09-29-18, 12:40 PM

Or Major and Tom.

u crank · 09-29-18, 02:26 PM

Pretty amazing. Outstanding actually.

Platapus · 09-29-18, 03:54 PM

One might even call this

(puts on sunglasses)

Far out.

Schroeder · 09-30-18, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by em2nought

Those charlatans are a bit distracted at the moment. Presidents and Judges to crucify don't ya know.

I wasn't aware our media did that....I'm not from the US....

Buddahaid · 09-30-18, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Or Major and Tom.

I'd prefer Ricky and Lucy.

Eichhörnchen · 09-30-18, 04:34 AM

Cheech & Chong

Platapus · 09-30-18, 02:08 PM

Quote:

The two drones will be collecting samples and data from above and below the surface of Ryugu until their scheduled return to Earth in 2020.

Does this mean that the two rovers will leave the asteroid and return to earth? That is way cool

vienna · 10-01-18, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Does this mean that the two rovers will leave the asteroid and return to earth? That is way cool

What makes that possible achievement even more galling is how Japan, and some other countries are pulling off some major and impressive space accomplishments while NASA has to pretty much go begging; maybe that will change if China is successful in its planned lunar landing...

<O>

Catfish · 10-01-18, 02:22 PM

You get a small glimpse of China and how they will accomplish things, if you read Cixin Liu's 'Three body problem'. They stop at nothing. Just saying.

Dowly · 10-02-18, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Does this mean that the two rovers will leave the asteroid and return to earth? That is way cool

No. Rover1A and B, MASCOT and Rover 2 (Hayabusa 2 carries 4 rovers/landers) will all be left on the rock. Hayabusa 2 itself will land on the rock after they shoot a 2.5kg copper 'bullet' at the surface to expose the subsurface material, this will be recorded by a deployable camera Hayabusa 2 leaves behind before 'heading for cover'.

Hayabusa 2 will then gather samples and head off to Earth.

Hayabusa 2 is currently making it's second descend towards Ryugu to deploy the MASCOT lander (expected tomorro or on Thursday).
Navigation images from Hayabusa 2 are added here every 30-ish minutes:
http://www.hayabusa2.jaxa.jp/en/gall...c/nav20181002/

Photo of the surface of the asteroid taken by Hayabusa 2 from an altitude of 64m:

09-29-18, 10:25 AM	#1
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 18,954 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	In Historic First, Scientists Have Landed Rovers On an Asteroid and They’re Transmitt https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/in-h...n-an-asteroid/ [quote] Scientists have just made history by landing the world’s first unmanned drones on an asteroid. On September 21st, researchers from Japanese space agency JAXA successfully deployed and landed two rovers on the surface of the Ryugu asteroid. The two robots are now transmitting pictures and information of their surroundings as “the world’s first man-made object to explore movement on an asteroid’s surface.” The robots, named Rover-1A and Rover-1B are both collectively known as Minerva-II1. The first image that was transmitted by Rover-1A depicts its dizzying deployment from the Hayabusa2 spacecraft rotating. In the bottom left corner of the image, you can see the surface of the Ryugu asteroid. The second photo that was released by JAXA shows Rover-1B’s immediate deployment from the spacecraft. The third photo was taken while Rover-1A was hopping around the surface of the 1-kilometer-wide space rock. Scientists believe that asteroids contain a treasure trove of information about the solar system’s evolution and history. The two drones will be collecting samples and data from above and below the surface of Ryugu until their scheduled return to Earth in 2020. “I cannot find words to express how happy I am that we were able to realize mobile exploration on the surface of an asteroid,” said Yuichi Tsuda, Hayabusa2 project manager. “I am proud that Hayabusa2 was able to contribute to the creation of this technology for a new method of space exploration by surface movement on small bodies.” Takashi Kubota, spokesperson for the Hayabusa2 project, added: “The good news made me so happy. “The image taken by MINERVA-II1 during a hop allowed me to relax as a dream of many years came true. I felt awed by what we had achieved in Japan. This is just a real charm of deep space exploration.” __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

09-29-18, 10:33 AM	#2
Schroeder Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Banana Republic of Germany Posts: 6,170 Downloads: 62 Uploads: 0	Awesome. Strange how quiet our media are considering what wide coverage the Rosetta/ Philae mission got. __________________ Putting Germ back into Germany.

09-29-18, 10:55 AM	#4
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 15,752 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Fabulous post, mate __________________

09-29-18, 11:46 AM	#5
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 40,504 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	Rover-1A and Rover-1B ? Very creative. I would have called the two Bruce and Willis. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

09-29-18, 12:40 PM	#6
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 181,240 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Or Major and Tom. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!! GWX3.0 Download Page - Donation/instant access to GWX (Help SubSim)

09-29-18, 02:26 PM	#7
u crank Old enough to know better Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Prince Edward Island Posts: 11,560 Downloads: 136 Uploads: 0	Pretty amazing. Outstanding actually. __________________ “Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.” ― Arthur C. Clarke

09-29-18, 03:54 PM	#8
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 18,954 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	One might even call this (puts on sunglasses) Far out. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

09-30-18, 04:34 AM	#11
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 15,752 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Cheech & Chong __________________

10-01-18, 02:22 PM	#14
Catfish Dipped Squirrel Operative Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..where the ocean meets the sky Posts: 16,897 Downloads: 38 Uploads: 0	You get a small glimpse of China and how they will accomplish things, if you read Cixin Liu's 'Three body problem'. They stop at nothing. Just saying. __________________ >^..^<*)))>{ All generalizations are wrong.