Japan conducts near-Earth asteroid flyby

Hayabusa2 Buzzes Asteroid Torifune in Record Flyby

Published 14 hours ago

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Above: A re-entry capsule from Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft is seen over Australia on Dec. 6, 2020. Image credit:

The Spin

Hayabusa2's record-breaking flyby of Torifune proves that precise asteroid deflection is within reach — humanity now has real tools to protect Earth, not just theories. Getting a spacecraft within 800 meters of a fast-moving space rock at 18,000 kilometers per hour is a monumental technical achievement that directly advances planetary defense. Every close-up image and surface data point collected makes future deflection missions more effective and better targeted.

NHK PHYS

Flybys alone won't cut it when asteroids like Apophis and Bennu keep making close passes with Earth, and deflection still requires years of advance warning that may never come. A fragmentation-based system that can neutralize threats days or even hours out is far more practical than precision maneuvering that demands perfect timing. Planetary defense needs serious funding and a last-line defense strategy, not just impressive photo ops.

The Spacereview Scientific American