The target:
(original image without pixel smoothing taken from a distance of 100 km; Source: JAXA)
Diameter of Ryugu is about 900 meters as previously estimated, it spins at about one revolution per 7.5 hours. The shape - with the equatorial squeezed outwards into a ridge compared to the polar axis - is typical for high-rotation asteroids. Craters are pretty subdued, even if some of those depressions span up to 200m. The color difference - brighter and darker spots - may reflect differently composed surface material.
Currently Hayabusa is at 41.5 km distance from Ryugu, with relative speed reduced from 29 cm/s to 9 cm/s last night. The maneuver last night placed Hayabusa on a direct path towards the asteroid, i.e. falling straight "down". Arrival in orbit is planned for next wednesday 0:30 am (japanese time, i.e. tuesday in most of the rest of the world).
The MASCOT crew is planning for a landing 96 days later, i.e. September 30th.
(original image without pixel smoothing taken from a distance of 100 km; Source: JAXA)
Diameter of Ryugu is about 900 meters as previously estimated, it spins at about one revolution per 7.5 hours. The shape - with the equatorial squeezed outwards into a ridge compared to the polar axis - is typical for high-rotation asteroids. Craters are pretty subdued, even if some of those depressions span up to 200m. The color difference - brighter and darker spots - may reflect differently composed surface material.
Currently Hayabusa is at 41.5 km distance from Ryugu, with relative speed reduced from 29 cm/s to 9 cm/s last night. The maneuver last night placed Hayabusa on a direct path towards the asteroid, i.e. falling straight "down". Arrival in orbit is planned for next wednesday 0:30 am (japanese time, i.e. tuesday in most of the rest of the world).
The MASCOT crew is planning for a landing 96 days later, i.e. September 30th.
Comment