Asteroid Ryugu from an altitude of 6km. Image was captured with the Optical Navigation Camera - Telescopic (ONC-T) on July 20, 2018. (JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, University of Aizu, AIST.)

Hayabusa2: mapping Ryugu’s extraordinary past

This artist’s conception shows the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft extending its sampling arm as it moves in to make contact with the asteroid Bennu. Credits: NASA/GSFC

The X-factor: The collaboration between Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx

Artist impression of Hayabusa2 above the Earth. [Akihiro Ikeshita / JAXA]

Planetary Protection and Our Search for Life