Hayabusa Probe Returns to Earth Carrying Asteroid Samples

A plucky Japanese probe burned up in a spectacular fireworks display Sunday, celebrating the end of a mission that found success despite being...

By Cody Brousher

Published 14 years ago

A plucky Japanese probe burned up in a spectacular fireworks display Sunday, celebrating the end of a mission that found success despite being plagued with problems. The Hayabusa probe overcame several obstacles to fly 3 billion miles to and from a tiny asteroid, land on its surface and hopefully collect samples.
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