Operation status for the asteroid
explorer, Hayabusa2
October 11, 2018
JAXA Hayabusa2 ProjectTopics
?MASCOT separation operation report?Touchdown rehearsals and plansContents
DCHayabusa2 mission summary & outline of mission flow
ECCurrent status and schedule overview for the project.
FCMASCOT separation operation
GCTouchdown rehearsals and plans
HCFuture plans

Overview of Hayabusa2
ObjectiveWe will explore and sample the C-type asteroid Ryugu, which is a more primitive
type than the S-type asteroid Itokawa that Hayabusa explored, and elucidate
interactions between minerals, water, and organic matter in the primitive solar
system. By doing so, we will learn about the origin and evolution of Earth, theoceans, and life, and maintain and develop the technologies for deep-space return
exploration (as demonstrated with Hayabusa), a field in which Japan leads theworld.

Expected results and effects?By exploring a C-type asteroid, which is rich in water and organic materials, wewill clarify interactions between the building blocks of Earth and the evolution of
its oceans and life, thereby developing solar system science.
? Japan will further its worldwide lead in this field by taking on the new challenge ofobtaining samples from a crater produced by an impacting device.
?We will establish stable technologies for return exploration of solar-system bodies.

Features:?World’s first sample return mission to a C-type asteroid.
?World’s first attempt at a rendezvous with an asteroid and performance ofobservation before and after projectile impact from an impactor.
?Comparison with results from Hayabusa will allow deeper understanding of the
distribution, origins, and evolution of materials in the solar system.

International positioningI?Japan is a leader in the field of primitive body exploration, and visiting a type-C
asteroid marks a new accomplishment.
?This mission builds on the originality and successes of the Hayabusa mission. In
addition to developing planetary science and solar system exploration
technologies in Japan, this mission develops new frontiers in exploration ofprimitive heavenly bodies.
?NASA too is conducting an asteroid sample return mission, OSIRIS-REx (launch:
2016; asteroid arrival: 2018; Earth return: 2023). We will exchange samples andotherwise promote scientific exchange, and expect further scientific findings
through comparison and investigation of the results from both missions.

(Illustration: Akihiro Ikeshita)
Hayabusa 2 primary specifications
Mass
Approx. 609 kg
Launch3 Dec 2014
MissionAsteroid return
Arrival27 June 2018
Earth return2020
Stay at asteroid
Approx. 18 months
Target body
Near-Earth asteroid Ryugu
Primary instruments
Sampling mechanism, re-entry capsule, optical cameras, laser range-finder,
scientific observation equipment (near-infrared, thermal infrared), impactor,
miniature rovers.

Mission Flow
Launch3 Dec 2014

Arrival at asteroid
June 27, 2018>▲
Earth swing-by
3 Dec 2015

Examine the asteroid by remote sensing
observations. Next, release a small lander androver and also obtain samples from the surface.

Earth returnlate 2020

Depart asteroid
Nov–Dec 2019

Create artificial
craterSample analysis(Illustrations: Akihiro Ikeshita)

After confirming safety, touchdown
within the crater and obtain
subsurface samples

Releaseimpactor

Use an impactor to create
an artificial crater on theasteroid’s surface1. Current project status& schedule overview

Current statusI
– MASCOT separation operation was performed between September 30 –October 4, with MASCOT successfully separating on October 3.
MASCOT then proceeded to land on the surface of Ryugu and operated
for about 17 hours.
– The next rehearsal for the first touchdown (TD1-R1-A) will be heldfrom October 14 – 15.
Schedule overview:
2015
3

12

Event	

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2016
10 12

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2017

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12

Arrival at Ryugu	5/) ))/41229
%24+2)452/34)20,(1208,.,4901)2%4,0/3

Earth swing-by	)' %2 %92019

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!@ $A4)3401)2%4,0/3 Southern hemisphere station
operations (CAN/MLG)	
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2018

Departure from Ryugu	06L)'

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Optical navigation	
 Solar conjunction	%9 5- 06)'
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2.MASCOT separation operation
Operation outline:
H Sept. 28IAgreement for separation received from MASCOT Project Manager,>>>>>>>Dr Tra-Mi Ho.
H Oct 2, 11:50 (listed times are all JST): Begin descent
H Oct 3, 10:57:00: MASCOT separated at an altitude of 51m.
H October 4, 04:30: Declaration of mission completion received from Dr Tra-Mi Ho>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(MASCOT continued to operate for 17 hours after separationA
H We successfully communicated with MASCOT and confirmed that MASCOT
landed on the surface of Ryugu. Data acquired from the observations conducted by
MASCOT instruments were transmitted to the MASCOT team (Germany) .
H Confirmed that MASCOT moved via designed hop.
H The operation of MASCOT itself was conducted from the German side, with about
40 people in DLR Cologne. About 5 people in CNES Toulouse supported theoperation.
*level 2 support:= increased number of engineers
H DSN (US Deep Space Network) level 2 support* (We also requested double antennas)
H The acquired data is also being used as reference information for touchdown
operation.

2. MASCOT release operationOutline of MASCOT release operation sequence

AltitudeFree fall without thruster

Attitude scan

GCP-NAV

Home position

20km

Hovering altitude

3km

Return to home
position

Descent speed>>40cm/s→10cm/s>>@Decelerate at 5km altitudeA

60m
51m

Hovering

Ascent speed
50cm/sDescent speed
3cm/s

MASCOT
separation

First
contact

Rest onsurfaceTime(JST)©JAXA

10/2, 11:50

10/3, 10:55

10:57:20
Separation time

10/3, 16:00(1day)

10/8, 15:00

2. MASCOT separation operation	
Watch here

MASCOT captured with the ONC-W2

Successful capture in 3
consecutive images by the
Optical Navigation Camera– Wide angle (ONC-W2).
Image timeIOct. 3, 2018
>1 shot 10:57:54>2 shot 10:58:04>3 shot 10:58:14
:Note: separation time 10:57:20
(Time : JST)

@3 image animationA(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University,
Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, Aizu University, AIST.)

2. MASCOT separation operation
MASCOT captured with the ONC-W2


2018/10/3 10:57:54

2018/10/3 10:58:04

2018/10/3 10:58:14

(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University,
Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, Aizu University, AIST.)

2. MASCOT separation operation
MASCOT captured with the ONC-W2


6m
4.23m

?Image capture time: Oct. 3,
2018 at 10:59:40@JSTA?MASCOT altitudeI~35m
(Image credit: on previous page)

MASCOT underside (©DLR)

MASCOT

shadow2. MASCOT separation operation
Images from the MASCOT camera (MASCAM)

Image from an altitude ~25m. The black
dot in the upper right is the shadow of
MASCOT.

Images from the surface of Ryugu@Image creditIMASCOT/DLR/JAXAA

2. MASCOT separation operation
MASCOT landing pointThe blue ‘X’ shows the estimated landing site of MASCOT.
(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University,
Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, Aizu University, AIST.)

2. MASCOT separation operation
Reaction in EuropeDear MASCOT-team
2 days after the landing of MASCOT on Ryugu, and analyzing
the first data and images, it is time for me to thank all of yourfor an outstanding job.

Presentation of the newest information about
Hayabusa2 including MASCOT at IAC(International Astronautical Congress) in
Bremen, Germany on October 5, 2018.
Photo by Dr. Hikaru Yabuta

MASCOT press conference
MASCOT's Path on the Asteroid Ryugu
Friday, October 12, 2018, 10:30am
DLR Capital Office Berlin

When we started the MASCOT-project 7 years ago, it was clearthat it will become hard work to build, to integrate, and to test asmall lander equipped with 4 instruments in only 2 1/2 years
time. I know that all of you had been engaged very much over along time before launch and later during cruise phase forlanding preparation. I like to thank all of you, and in particular
our colleagues and partners in JAXA and CNES, for this work
which made a small spacecraft landing a great event in space.
To my knowledge of today, all systems worked nicely andmade it possible to record as scheduled which demonstrated acareful and high quality work of all contributors as well as agreat team spirit.
I am sure that the data recorded during the 17 hours operation
on Ryugu's surface will become the basis of importantscientific results.
Thank you again!

Message from Hansjörg Dittus,
With regards
Hansjoerg Dittus DLR Executive Board Member forSpace Research and Technology 3. Touchdown rehearsal and plan■Re-examination of future operations
H So far, 6 descent operations have been performed. Based on theperformance of the navigation guidance and the surface of Ryugu, therevised schedule is as follows:@NoteADescent operations: BOX-C operation, medium altitude operation, gravity
measurement operation, TD1-R1 (first touchdown (TD) rehearsal),
MINERVA-II operation, MASCOT operation.

■New Schedule
H Oct. 14- 15
H Oct. 24 - 25
H Late Nov - Dec
H After Jan 2019

ITD1-R1-A@equivalent to the second TD rehearsal)
ITD1-R3@equivalent to the third TD rehearsal)
IConjunction operation(NoteAThere is no TD-R2
IFirst touchdown:The operation schedule after January 2019 will be determined based on the
results up to TD1-R3. 3. Touchdown rehearsal and planBasic policy for touchdownI>>>Proceed by confirmed each step one-by-one
Story so far:

H Jul. 1725
IBOX-C operation → hovering at approximately 6km altitude
H Jul. 31 Aug. 2 IMedium altitude operation → down to approximately 5km
altitude using
GCP-NAVH Aug. 5  10 IGravity measurement operation → descent to 851m altitude
H Aug 17I LSS based on current observation data (LSS: Landing site Selection)
H Sep. 10 12 ITD1-R1 → descent stopped at 600m altitude?Error in LIDAR@laser altimeterAmeasurement?LRF@Laser Range FinderA could not be confirmed
H Sept. 1921 IMINRVA-;1 separation operation → descent to 55m altitude?LIDAR measurement confirmed to have no problem?High resolution observation data of TD candidate area
obtained from navigation guidance data.
H Sept. 30 Oct. 4 IMASCOT separation operation → descent to 51m altitude.
?High resolution observation data of TD candidate area
obtained from navigation guidance data.

3. Touchdown rehearsal and planCurrent results and information (1)JNavigation guidance accuracyKNS

MINERVA-II1 descentTD1-R1 descent @rehearsal #1AMASCOT descent

Trajectory of low altitude descents so far@©JAXAA

H
H

TD1-R1 descended to the equator, MINERVA-II1 operation was in
the northern hemisphere and the MASCOT operation was in thesouthern hemisphere.
Hayabusa2’s guidance was confirmed to have an accuracy of about
10m down to an altitude of about 50 over the entire latitude ±30°C3. Touchdown rehearsal and planCurrent results and information (2)JRyugu topologyK=Data as of August=Current data30m

H From observations so far, the distribution of boulders about 50cm or larger has been
determined for the TD candidate sites@L08BL07BM04AC
H There are many boulders in the class larger than 50cm that hinder landing safely in thelanding candidate area. Flat areas most suitable for landing are extremely limited.
(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji
University, Aizu University, AIST.)

3. Touchdown rehearsal and planCurrent results and information (3)JSurface observations by rover and landerK©JAXA

©MASCOT/DLR/JAXAH Detailed analysis of surface conditions from images taken by MINERVA-II1
and MASCOTC
H The images do not show a landscape of “sand interspersed with boulders” butrather “the ground itself consists of large and small rocks”.3. Touchdown rehearsal and plan
Checklist before touchdown:
JOvercoming severely rugged topology, confirmation of thespacecraft at ultralow altitudeK
H Navigation guidance accuracy down to an altitude lower than 50m< check during TD1-R1-A
H Operation characteristics of LRF< check during TD1-R1-A
H Target marker (TM) tracking characteristics ← confirm during
TD1-R3 if possible:Previous plans did not plan to check the TM tracking characteristics, but
this independent advance check was introduced in the new plan.

After confirming these points, introducing pinpoint touchdown
technology will also be considered. (see reference page)

Note : Target marker tracking (TMT)
Target markers are recognized in images obtained by the optical navigation camera. The
spacecraft understands the locations of the target markers and navigates itself for touchdown.



3. Touchdown rehearsal and plan■ Plan during TD1-R1-A
H Confirmation of navigation accuracy.
H Understand characteristics of LRF.
H LRF only performs a measurement and is not used here for spacecraft
control.
■ Plan during TD1-R3
H Confirmation of navigation accuracy.
H LRF measurement data used for spacecraft control.
H Potentially separate target markers (TM).



3. Touchdown rehearsal and planTouchdown candidate sideIL08-B
(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji
University, Aizu University, AIST.)

3. Touchdown rehearsal and plan
L08-B
L08-B images by the ONC-T
during the MASCOT
separation operation.
Image dataIOct. 3, 2018,05:41 JST.
Image altitude: ~1.9km
Resolution>I20cm/pixel(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo,
Kochi University, Rikkyo University,
Nagoya University, Chiba Institute ofTechnology, Meiji University, Aizu
University, AIST.)

3. Touchdown rehearsal and plan
L08-B
Close-up of previous page
image
20m diameter

L08-B images by the ONC-T
during the MASCOT
separation operation.
Image dataIOct. 3, 2018,05;41 JST.
Image altitude: ~1.9km
Resolution>I20cm/pixel(Image credit: JAXA, University of Tokyo,
Kochi University, Rikkyo University,
Nagoya University, Chiba Institute ofTechnology, Meiji University, Aizu
University, AIST.)

3. Touchdown rehearsal and plan
TD1-R1-A schedule

AltitudeReturn to home position
Home position>>>20km

GCP-NAV (Ground Control Point Navigation)>>→Method of determining the position and speedof the spacecraft by observing characteristic
points on the asteroid surface.

Deceleration ΔV

HPNAV (Home Position Navigation)>>→Method of determining the position and speedof the spacecraft from direction of the center of
the asteroid image and attitude of the probe.

5km
~40m

ΔV

Time
(JST)©JAXA

10/14~24:00

10/15~10:00

10/15~22:3010/16

4. Future plans■Operation schedule
H Oct. 14 – 15ITD1-R1-A@2nd touchdown rehearsalA
H Oct 24 - 25ITD1-R3@3rd touchdown rehearsalA■Media briefings
H Oct 23 (Tue) 16:00 JSTL>Reporter’s presentation @Ochianomizu
H Nov 8 (Thur) 11:00 JST11L>Press briefing @ Ochianomizu

Reference3. MASCOT release operation
MASCOT System Overview

MASCOT (Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout)
H Developed by DLR (German Aerospace
Center) in close cooperation with CNES
(French Space Agency)(©	  JAXA)

H Agile, lightweight & compact landing platform
for in-situ asteroid research
H Lander Module mass: ~9.8 kg
H Lander Module size: 0.275 x 0.290 x 0.195 m
H Carries Four Scientific Payloads: MASCAM,
MicrOmega, MARA, and MASMAG

Flight	  Model(©	
  DLR)	
  



3. MASCOT release operation	
  MASCOT System Overview

Top Antenna

Radiator

Scientific instruments aboard MASCOT
DeviceFunc�on

Wide-­‐angle	
  camera	  (MASCAM)

Imaging	
  at	
  mul�ple	
  wavelengths

Spectroscopic	
  microscope	  (MicrOmega)

Inves�ga�on	
  of	
  mineral	
  composi�on	
  and	
  characteris�cs

Thermal	  radiometer	
  (MARA)

Surface	
  temperature	
  measurements

Magnetrometer	
  (MASMAG)

Magne�c	
  ﬁeld	  measurement

MASCOT Bus System
H Power: Primary lithium battery
H Communication: Communication system usingtransceivers same as Minerva-II rovers
H Mobility: Up-righting and hopping mechanism
using motor and excenter mass
H GNC: MASCOT attitude determination using
proximity sensors

MARA

MASCAM
MicrOmega

MASMAG

Battery Pack
Ebox

CCOM Transceivers

Mobility Unit

3. MASCOT release operation	
  MASCOT On-Asteroid Operation
Baseline MASCOT Activities after the Separation
CP 	
  :	
  Contact	
  Point	
  	
  
EoM 	
  :	
  End	  of	
  Mission	
  
SP 	
  :	
  Se�lement	
  Point	
  
MP 	
  :	
  Measuring	
  Point	
  
MSC 	
  :	
  MASCOT	
  

	
  

	
  



3. MASCOT release operation

MASCOT landing site©JAXA, University Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University,
Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, University of Aizu, AIST, CNES, DLRPinpoint touchdown
H Target Markers (TM)ü TM separate at an altitude of several tens ofmeters, and flash lamps intermittently illuminate
TM while cameras image them.
ü By comparing differences in images when flash
lamps are lit and when they are not, we canaccurately extract TM without effects fromsurface patterns or sunlight.
ü Facing toward identified TM, descend to theasteroid while using laser altimeter information todetermine attitude and distance to the surface.
ü 6-degree-of-freedom (position + attitude) gas jet
injection control with high target tracking while
minimizing fuel consumption is also a key
technology.

Using one TM

H Use of multiple TM

Using multiple TMü We will touch down near the artificial crater, andattempt to retrieve samples from exposed areas.

CraterRange of error
with no other TM
for use as clues	  (©	  JAXA)	
  

Range of error fordescent to TM #1

Range of error
for descent to
TM #2 with TM#1 visible

First
descent

Seconddescent

Range of error
for descent to
TM #3 with TM#2 visible

Thirddescentü We expect the artificial crater to have a diameterof around several meters. By approaching thedestination point based on clues from multiple
sequential TM, we can perform the touchdownwith higher precision (a pinpoint touchdown).

Conjunction operation
H “Conjunction” for spacecraft

2018.12.31

operation refers to the case where
the spacecraft is in the directionthat almost directly overlaps with
the Sun when viewed from Earth.

2018.11.20

Earth

H The alignment means that

communication with thespacecraft is not secure due toradiowaves radiated by the Sun.

SunH In this period, critical operation is
not carried out.

H For Hayabusa2, the duration ofthis period is from late November
2018 – end of December.

Ryugu
Positions of Ryugu and the Earth©JAXA