Overview of the findings for samples returned from Ryugu and implications for early Solar System processes
Monica M. Grady, M. Ito, R. C. Greenwood, A. Yamaguchi, T. H. Burbine, M. Anand & V. Debaille
Nature Astronomy
“The Hayabusa2 spacecraft brought samples to Earth from asteroid (162173) Ryugu in December 2020. Here we review the main characteristics of the Hayabusa2 mission, with a particular focus on sample collection and return. After describing how the material was collected and subsequently curated, we outline some of the major findings from the mission so far, including the nature of the organic materials and the age, duration, extent and temperature of the aqueous alteration experienced by the Ryugu materials. We discuss the implications of these observations for the composition of early Solar System materials and the processes that they have experienced. Finally, we consider the results in the context of forthcoming sample return missions and what may be learnt from them.”
