Mmastodon ScienceSpace first seen 16 h ago, last 16 h ago, peak #6

Hayabusa2's only working ion engine breaks down

Original: The only working ion engine on Japan's Hayabusa2 unmanned probe, which is on an extended mission to its new target aster

The sole remaining functioning ion engine aboard Japan's Hayabusa2 probe has failed, according to reports citing the space agency. The unmanned spacecraft is on an extended mission toward a new target asteroid after successfully returning samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth in December 2020. The engine failure raises questions about whether the probe can complete its planned journey.

Why now: The failure of the last working engine threatens the future of a high-profile extended asteroid mission.

Hayabusa2JAXARyugu

Open on mastodon →

Evidence

• The only working ion engine on Japan's Hayabusa2 unmanned probe, which is on an extended mission to its new target asteroid after bringing samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth in December 2020, has broken down. https://www. japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/… · thejapantimes · 2

API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/657475