Latest Update: 14 Jun 2010
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has completed the
retrieval of the Hayabusa capsule at 4:08 p.m. on June 14th, 2010 (JST).

The capsule is deemed intact at the moment.

Previous Updates: 13 Jun 2010
After the Hayabusa capsule reentry, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) searched for the capsule by a helicopter and discovered it at the expected landing area in Woomera Prohibited Area, Australia at 11:56 p.m. on June 13th, 2010 (JST).

JAXA will start retrieving it in the afternoon on June 14th, 2010(JST).

Hayabusa separated the capsule at 7:51 p.m. and reentered the atmosphere at 10:51 p.m. on June 13th, 2010 (JST).

Hayabusa was launched on May 9th, 2003 by M-V rocket and operated for approximately seven years. During its operation, JAXA was able to achieve the difficult mission including Hayabusa's sample capture attempt after its touchdown on the asteroid named Itokawa, and Hayabusa's return to the earth overcoming many hardships. JAXA would like to appreciate everyone's support to JAXA leading this mission to a great success.

The Hayabusa capsule has just returned to Woomera, Australia. As the next step, JAXA will move forward to the capsule recovery.

Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400

JAXA WEB SITE : http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html