Continuing on from the other thread on Japans
Hayabusa probe.
A Japanese research probe failed to touch down on an asteroid Sunday after maneuvering within meters (yards) to collect surface samples, Japan's space agency said.
The Hayabusa probe, which botched a rehearsal earlier this month, was on a mission to briefly land on the asteroid, collect material, then bring it back to Earth.
When Hayabusa was 40 meters (130 feet) above the asteroid Itokawa, it dropped a small object as a touchdown target, then descended to 17 meters (56 feet), said officials from Japan's space agency, JAXA
Its going to try again on Friday.
Full Story Here
.
Seanie.
Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.
  