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Hayabusa
The first mission to return a sample from an asteroid.
Mission Overview
Despite multiple technical failures, including engine leaks and communications loss, the craft returned to Earth in 2010 with dust from asteroid Itokawa.
Learning from History
"The mission is celebrated in Japan as a symbol of perseverance against impossible odds."
Mission Specs
| Year | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Type | Sample Return |
| Destination | Asteroid Itokawa |
| Status | Success |
| Rocket | Ion Engines |