General
Japan’s Hayabusa2 space capsule to fall back to Earth after six-year asteroid mission
A space capsule carrying dust and rocks from an asteroid is due to land in the South Australian desert early on Sunday morning.
Key points:
- The Hayabusa2 spacecraft launched in 2014 and took four years to reach its destination
- Its capsule is only hours away from landing back on earth
- Scientists hope to learn a lot about the early solar system
The Japanese Hayabusa2 capsule, which is returning from its mission to the asteroid Ryugu, is due to touch down on the Woomera Prohibited Area about 500 kilometres north-west of Adelaide at about 4:00am (local time).
It will put on a spectacular show in the early morning twilight as it streaks towards Earth.
Then the hunt will be on to find its landing spot.
-
Noosa News15 hours agoReubhan Ralph identified as man behind terrifying childcare centre incident in Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast
-
General14 hours agoPolice say new leads being pursued after baby’s body found in Alexander Heights stormwater drain
-
Noosa News24 hours agoInquest into Rosemarie Campbell’s death three days after gastric bypass surgery hears of ‘massive loss’ to family
-
General21 hours agoQueensland announced as 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup host in first Australian event since 1965