Sampling Technology and Scientific Objectives for Minor Body Sample Return Missions after Hayabusa

Abstract

As a post-Hayabusa mission in 2010's, our working group has been developing a new sampling system for C-type and other primitive asteroid surface and sub-surface materials, based upon technology and operation established and lessons learned by Hayabusa's touch-and-go sampling attempt at the S-type asteroid Itokawa in 2005. Both impact sampling with corer projectiles and a microgravity tether retraction system are under the development as well as shaped charge excavation on free asteroidal surface. This study summarizes results of those endeavors and future prospects of this challenge.