Physical properties of near-Earth asteroids with a low delta-${\it v}$: Survey of target candidates for the Hayabusa2 mission

TL;DR

This study surveyed 74 near-Earth asteroids to gather physical data, aiding in backup target selection for Hayabusa2 and enhancing understanding of asteroid properties and origins.

Contribution

It provides comprehensive physical property data for 74 NEAs, supporting mission planning and advancing asteroid science.

Findings

Physical properties of 74 NEAs were characterized.

Data supported backup target selection for Hayabusa2.

Enhanced understanding of asteroid origins and diversity.

Abstract

Sample return from the near-Earth asteroid known as 25143 Itokawa was conducted as part of the Hayabusa mission, with a large number of scientific findings being derived from the returned samples. Following the Hayabusa mission, Hayabusa2 was planned, targeting sample return from a primitive asteroid. The primary target body of Hayabusa2 was asteroid 162173 Ryugu; however, it was also necessary to gather physical information for backup target selection. Therefore, we examined five asteroids spectroscopically, 43 asteroids spectrophotometrically, and 41 asteroids through periodic analysis. Hence, the physical properties of 74 near-Earth asteroids were obtained, which helped the Hayabusa2 backup target search and, also, furthered understanding of the physical properties of individual asteroids and their origins.