Hayabusa Earth Reentry Update

The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa re-entered Earth this weekend and its sample return spacecraft landed successfully. Here is a roundup of news and information. The Planetary Society Blog had updates on the entire return.

A view of Hayabusa burning up over Australia courtesy of the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shumbun Credit: Yomiuri Shimbun

Hayabusa sample return capsule sitting in the Woomera desert, Australia

On June 14, 2010, following its dramatic, fiery reentry the night before, the Hayabusa sample return capsule sat on the ground in the Woomera Prohibited Area, Australia, waiting to be retrieved. Credit: JAXA

This is the final photo captured by Hayabusa as it approached its reentry into Earth's atmosphere. It was taken roughly an hour before the end of the mission, after it had already released the sample capsule. Credit: JAXA

Link: The Planetary Society Blog (Hayabusa sample capsule photographed on the ground in Australia)

Link: The Planetary Society Blog (Hayabusa's return: a review)

Link: The Planetary Society Blog (Welcome home, Hayabusa!)

Link: The Planetary Society Blog (Preparing for Hayabusa's return)

Link: YouTube (NASA DC-8 Video of Hayabusa Re-entry)

Link: JAXA Hayabusa Page

Link: Hayabusa Re-entry Airborne Observing Campaign