Near-infrared spectroscopy of 1999 JU3, the target of the Hayabusa 2 mission

TL;DR

This study provides near-infrared spectral data of asteroid 1999 JU3, confirming its primitive, C-type composition and supporting its selection as the target for the Hayabusa 2 sample-return mission.

Contribution

The paper presents new near-infrared spectroscopy data of 1999 JU3, enhancing understanding of its composition and confirming its primitive nature for mission planning.

Findings

Spectrum consistent with C-type asteroid

Confirms primitive, organic-rich composition

Supports selection as Hayabusa 2 target

Abstract

Context. Primitive asteroids contain complex organic material and ices relevant to the origin of life on Earth. These types of asteroids are the target of several-sample return missions to be launched in the next years. 1999 JU3 is the target of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's Hayabusa 2 mission. Aims. 1999 JU3 has been previously identified as a C-class asteroid. Spectroscopic observations at longer wavelengths will help to constrain its composition. Methods. We obtained spectroscopy of 1999 JU3 from 0.85 to 2.2 microns, with the 3.6 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo using the low resolution mode of the Near Infrared Camera Spectrograph. Results. We present a near-infrared spectrum of 1999 JU3 from 0.85 to 2.2microns that is consistent with previously published spectra and with its C-type classification. Conclusions. Our spectrum confirms the primitive nature of 1999 JU3 and its interest as target of the sample-return mission Hayabusa 2.