We’re never going to mine the asteroid belt
One factor rules out most space mining at the outset: gravity. It guarantees that most of the solar system’s best mineral resources are to be found under our feet on Earth.
Hayabusa2 returned with 5 grams of asteroid soil, far more than target
The capsule brought back by the Hayabusa2 space probe contained more than 5.4 grams of soil samples from a distant asteroid, exceeding the original target of 0.1 gram, Japan's space agency has said. The soil samples from the Ryugu asteroid were in three chambers of ...
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency also confirmed the presence of a "substantial amount" of soil samples from the Ryugu asteroid.
'Sand-like' asteroid dust found in box from Japan's Hayabusa2 probe
Hayabusa2 traveled about 300 million kilometers from Earth to collect the samples, which scientists hope could help shed light on the origin of life and the formation of the universe.
Hayabusa2's successful mission may help us reclaim our own past
Science now allows us to pluck pieces of our history from asteroids as they whiz by.
Can Japan keep up in the 21st-century space race?
With surprisingly few international treaties governing space activities, Japan has an opportunity to step up and take a leadership role.
Hayabusa2 capsule in 'perfect condition' as Japan team prepares for analysis
If the mission was successful, the capsule will contain two samples from the Ryugu asteroid, including the first subsurface asteroid sample ever collected.
Ancient asteroid dust collected by Japan's Hayabusa2 probe arrives on Earth
The samples, which are expected to amount to no more than 0.1 grams of material, could help shed light on the origin of life and the formation of the universe.
Hayabusa2 capsule to re-enter atmosphere with ancient asteroid samples
Two samples from the 4.6-billion-year-old Ryugu asteroid could help explain the origin of life.
Japan launches data relay satellites to improve disaster response
Japan launched a rocket Sunday carrying satellites designed to relay data collected by other reconnaissance satellites already in orbit, enabling faster and more information-rich communication when responding to natural disasters. The H2A rocket, operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, ...
During his current mission, Noguchi said he is looking forward to sharing space food with other crew members.
NASA chief touts role of Japan's Soichi Noguchi in upcoming SpaceX mission
"I look forward to all the amazing things that Soichi Noguchi is going to do on the International Space Station," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said.
