More detailed research will begin in June this year
TOKYO, April 27. /TASS/. Preliminary analysis of the fragments of the asteroid Ryugu says that they may contain organic substances. These samples were delivered to Earth by the Japanese spacecraft "Hayabusa-2", reports NHK.
Experts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) examined the soil particles from the asteroid using infrared light. The results of the analysis indicate that there may be organic substances in the samples that Hayabusa-2 delivered to Earth. Scientists do not have more detailed information yet. A detailed study of the fragments of the cosmic body will begin in June.
Now scientists in the laboratory sort and register each individual particle of the asteroid. By June, nine teams of specialists will be formed, each of which will be engaged in a detailed analysis in a particular area.
The capsule with samples from Ryugu "Hayabusa-2" dropped to Earth on December 5, thus ending its six-year expedition to this celestial body. The capsule successfully landed in southern Australia, where it was discovered by Japanese experts. It was subsequently taken to a JAXA lab near Tokyo.
After dropping the capsule, the probe went to the asteroid 1998 KY26 with a diameter of 30 meters. It is expected that in July 2031, Hayabusa-2 will land on its surface and take samples of the soil, which may contain particles of water and organic substances.
