The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency ’s ( JAXA ) Hayabusa-2 scouter have return more range of a function from the Earth’s surface of asteroid Ryugu , after their stunninginitial landinglast weekend .
The two rovers , dubbed Rover-1A and 2B but together MINERVA - II1 , were released from the Hayabusa-2 ballistic capsule onto asteroid Ryugu on Friday , September 21 . Each measuring just 18 centimeters ( 7 inches ) across and weighing about 1.1 kilograms ( 2.4 British pound sterling ) , they ’re contrive to “ record hop ” across the surface by spin a masses inside of them .
antecedently we only had confirmation that Rover 1A had successfully hopped , revealed in the first batch of images released on Saturday , September 22 . In theselatest epitome , we now also have verification that Rover-1B has jumped on the aerofoil .
In one look-alike released from that scouter just before a hops ( above ) , we can see an unbelievable amount of detail on the surface , with the Sun shining down overhead . A sequence of images shows the process of hopping , while another double also exhibit the surface just after a successful hop .
By jumping on the control surface , the scouter can use their temperature sensor to mensurate the temperature in different places . They can also snap figure from different locations – the first figure ever taken from the surface of an asteroid .
Rover-1A also crack some more images , admit capturing the shadow of its antenna on the control surface and one of its “ oarlock ” . The oarlock , fit in to JAXA , are design to increase friction when hop and protect the solar cells during each landing . Some also control the temperature sensors .
There was another treat also release by JAXA , a video taken from the surface by stitching together 15 look-alike from Rover-1B. This show the Sun go through the sky as the asteroid circumvolve at its speed of one revolution every 7 hours and 38 minutes .
While the rovers continue on the Earth’s surface , Hayabusa-2 is train for even more activities at Ryugu . In other October , it will exhaust another lander called MASCOT onto the airfoil . Later this year , the spacecraft itself will impact down on the surface and attempt to scoop up material .
The space vehicle performed atouchdown rehearsalearlier in September , accept images of potential landing place sites . One site called L08 is preferred at the moment , with two backup pick yell L07 and M04 also available .
For now , we ’ve get some exciting images from two petite roamer on this aloof asteroid 280 million kilometer ( 175 million miles ) from Earth to delight . And if that ’s not ridiculously awe-inspiring , we do n’t know what is .
