安部 正真

© 2015 Kitajima et al.; licensee Springer. Three category 3 (organic) particles (RB-QD04-0001, RB-QD04-0047-02, and RA-QD02-0120) and so-called 'white object' found in the sample container have been examined by micro-Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. In addition, several artificial substances that could occur as possible contaminants and chondritic insoluble organic matter (IOM) prepared from the Murchison CM2 chondrite were analyzed. The Raman spectra of the particles show broad G-band and weak D-band. The G-band parameters plot in the disordered region and close to the artifact produced from a Viton glove after laser exposure rather than chondritic IOM. The particles were therefore originally at low maturity level, suggesting that they have not experienced strong heating and are therefore not related to the LL4-6 parent body. The IR spectra are not similar to that of chondritic IOM. Furthermore, the particles cannot be identified as some artificial carbonaceous substances, including the white object, which are the possible contaminants, examined in this investigation. Although it cannot be determined exactly whether the three category 3 particles are extraterrestrial, the limited IR and Raman results in this investigation strongly suggest their terrestrial origin. Although they could not be directly related to the artificial contaminants examined in this investigation, they may yet be reaction products from similar substances that flew on the mission. In particular, RB-QD04-0047-02 shows several infrared spectral absorption bands in common with the 'white object.' This may relate to the degradation of a polyimide/polyamide resin.

Three category 3 (organic) particles (RB-QD04-0001, RB-QD04-0047-02, and RA-QD02-0120) and so-called 'white object' found in the sample container have been examined by micro-Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. In addition, several artificial substances that could occur as possible contaminants and chondritic insoluble organic matter (IOM) prepared from the Murchison CM2 chondrite were analyzed. The Raman spectra of the particles show broad G-band and weak D-band. The G-band parameters plot in the disordered region and close to the artifact produced from a Viton glove after laser exposure rather than chondritic IOM. The particles were therefore originally at low maturity level, suggesting that they have not experienced strong heating and are therefore not related to the LL4-6 parent body. The IR spectra are not similar to that of chondritic IOM. Furthermore, the particles cannot be identified as some artificial carbonaceous substances, including the white object, which are the possible contaminants, examined in this investigation. Although it cannot be determined exactly whether the three category 3 particles are extraterrestrial, the limited IR and Raman results in this investigation strongly suggest their terrestrial origin. Although they could not be directly related to the artificial contaminants examined in this investigation, they may yet be reaction products from similar substances that flew on the mission. In particular, RB-QD04-0047-02 shows several infrared spectral absorption bands in common with the 'white object.' This may relate to the degradation of a polyimide/polyamide resin.

© 2014 Yabuta et al. Analyses with a scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM) using x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy were applied for the molecular characterization of two kinds of carbonaceous particles of unknown origin, termed category 3, which were collected from the Hayabusa spacecraft sample catcher. Carbon-XANES spectra of the category 3 particles displayed typical spectral patterns of heterogeneous organic macromolecules; peaks corresponding to aromatic/olefinic carbon, heterocyclic nitrogen and/or nitrile, and carboxyl carbon were all detected. Nitrogen-XANES spectra of the particles showed the presence of N-functional groups such as imine, nitrile, aromatic nitrogen, amide, pyrrole, and amine. An oxygen-XANES spectrum of one of the particles showed a ketone group. Differences in carbon- and nitrogen-XANES spectra of the category 3 particles before and after transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations were observed, which demonstrates that the carbonaceous materials are electron beam sensitive. Calcium-XANES spectroscopy and elemental contrast mapping identified a calcium carbonate grain from one of the category 3 particles. No fluorine-containing molecular species were detected in fluorine-XANES spectra of the particles. The organic macromolecular features of the category 3 particles were distinct from commercial and/or biological 'fresh (non-degraded)' polymers, but the category 3 molecular features could possibly reflect degradation of contaminant polymer materials or polymer materials used on the Hayabusa spacecraft. However, an extraterrestrial origin for these materials cannot currently be ruled out.

Analyses with a scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM) using x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy were applied for the molecular characterization of two kinds of carbonaceous particles of unknown origin, termed category 3, which were collected from the Hayabusa spacecraft sample catcher. Carbon-XANES spectra of the category 3 particles displayed typical spectral patterns of heterogeneous organic macromolecules; peaks corresponding to aromatic/olefinic carbon, heterocyclic nitrogen and/or nitrile, and carboxyl carbon were all detected. Nitrogen-XANES spectra of the particles showed the presence of N-functional groups such as imine, nitrile, aromatic nitrogen, amide, pyrrole, and amine. An oxygen-XANES spectrum of one of the particles showed a ketone group. Differences in carbon-and nitrogen-XANES spectra of the category 3 particles before and after transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations were observed, which demonstrates that the carbonaceous materials are electron beam sensitive. Calcium-XANES spectroscopy and elemental contrast mapping identified a calcium carbonate grain from one of the category 3 particles. No fluorine-containing molecular species were detected in fluorine-XANES spectra of the particles. The organic macromolecular features of the category 3 particles were distinct from commercial and/or biological 'fresh (non degraded)' polymers, but the category 3 molecular features could possibly reflect degradation of contaminant polymer materials or polymer materials used on the Hayabusa spacecraft. However, an extraterrestrial origin for these materials cannot currently be ruled out.

Four Itokawa particles collected from the first touchdown site were mineralogically investigated by optical microscopy, micro-Raman (mu-Raman) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their mineralogy has an affinity to that of LL6 chondrites based on micro-Raman spectroscopy, EPMA, and XAS analyses. However, the space weathering rims on them are less developed than those observed on the Itokawa particles collected from the second touchdown site. Solar flare tracks are rarely observed in the four particles, whose number densities were lower than those observed in the Itokawa particles from the second touchdown site.

We present the results of photometric observations carried out with four small telescopes of the asteroid 4 Vesta in the B, R-C, and z' bands at a minimum phase angle of 0 degrees.1. The magnitudes, reduced to unit distance and zero phase angle, were M-B(1, 1, 0) = 3.83 +/- 0.01, M-RC (1, 1, 0) = 2.67 +/- 0.01, and M-z' (1, 1, 0) = 3.03 +/- 0.01 mag. The absolute magnitude obtained from the IAU H -G function is similar to 0.1mag darker than the magnitude at a phase angle of 0 degrees. determined from the Shevchenko function and Hapke models with the coherent backscattering effect term. Our photometricmeasurements allowed us to derive geometric albedos of 0.35 in the B band, 0.41 in the R-C band, and 0.31 in the z' bands by using the Hapke model with the coherent backscattering effect term. Using the Hapke model, the porosity of the optically active regolith on Vesta was estimated to be. = 0.40.7, yielding a bulk density of 0.9-2.0 x 10(3) kgm(-3). It is evident that the opposition effect for Vesta makes a contribution not only to the shadow-hiding effect, but also the coherent backscattering effect that appears from similar to 1 degrees. The amplitude of the coherent backscatter opposition effect for Vesta increases with a brightening of reflectance. By comparison with other solar system bodies, we suggest that multiple-scattering on an optically active scale may contribute to the amplitude of the coherent backscatter opposition effect (B-CO).

We investigated the magnitude-phase relation of (162173) 1999 JU3, a target asteroid for the JAXA Hayabusa 2 sample return mission. We initially employed the International Astronomical Union's H-G formalism but found that it fits less well using a single set of parameters. To improve the inadequate fit, we employed two photometric functions: the Shevchenko and Hapke functions. With the Shevchenko function, we found that the magnitude-phase relation exhibits linear behavior in a wide phase angle range (alpha = 5 degrees-75 degrees) and shows weak nonlinear opposition brightening at alpha < 5 degrees, providing a more reliable absolute magnitude of H-V = 19.25 +/- 0.03. The phase slope (0.039 +/- 0.001 mag deg(-1)) and opposition effect amplitude (parameterized by the ratio of intensity at alpha = 0 degrees.3 to that at alpha = 5 degrees, I(0 degrees.3)/I(5 degrees) = 1.31 +/- 0.05) are consistent with those of typical C-type asteroids. We also attempted to determine the parameters for the Hapke model, which are applicable for constructing the surface reflectance map with the Hayabusa 2 onboard cameras. Although we could not constrain the full set of Hapke parameters, we obtained possible values, w = 0.041, g = -0.38, B-0 = 1.43, and h = 0.050, assuming a surface roughness parameter <(theta)over bar> = 20 degrees. By combining our photometric study with a thermal model of the asteroid, we obtained a geometric albedo of p(v) = 0.047 +/- 0.003, phase integral q = 0.32 +/- 0.03, and Bond albedo A(B) = 0.014 +/- 0.002, which are commensurate with the values for common C-type asteroids.

はやぶさ試料中にはカテゴリ３とよばれる有機物を主としたものが報告されており、それらが地球外有機物かあるいは地球の汚染物質か未だに解明されていない。そこでカテゴリ３試料中の水素、炭素と窒素の同位体組成をNanoSIMSを用いた同位体イメージングにより測定した。それらの同位体組成は測定した三つの試料において地球の値を示し、同位体組成からの情報からだけでは地球外有機物であると結論づけられなかった。今後は同位体だけではなく、TEMやXANES、ラマン分光などを用いた測定をすることで、カテゴリ３試料の起源を解明する事が期待される。

© 2014 Ito et al.; licensee Springer. Since isotopic ratios of H, C, and N are sensitive indicators for determining extraterrestrial organics, we have measured these isotopes of Hayabusa category 3 organic samples of RB-QD04-0047-02, RA-QD02-0120, and RB-QD04-0001 with ion imaging using a NanoSIMS ion microprobe. All samples have H, C, and N isotopic compositions that are terrestrial within errors (approximately ±50‰ for H, approximately ±9‰ for C, and approximately ±2‰ for N). None of these samples contain micrometer-sized hot spots with anomalous H, C, and N isotopic compositions, unlike previous isotope data for extraterrestrial organic materials, i.e., insoluble organic matters (IOMs) and nano-globules in chondrites, interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), and cometary dust particles. We, therefore, cannot conclude whether these Hayabusa category 3 samples are terrestrial contaminants or extraterrestrial materials because of the H, C, and N isotopic data. A coordinated study using microanalysis techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), NanoSIMS ion microprobe, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and transmission electron microscopy/scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) is required to characterize Hayabusa category 3 samples in more detail for exploring their origin and nature.

© 2014 Uesugi et al.; licensee Springer. Preliminary results of the analyses of five carbonaceous materials (particle size of approximately 50 μm) from the Hayabusa spacecraft sample catcher, including their texture, chemistry, and chemical/isotopic compositions, are summarized. The carbonaceous particles underwent sequential analysis using a series of microanalytical instruments located at several research institutes and universities. Collected particles were initially classified into four categories: two categories containing extraterrestrial silicate particles, one category containing metal and quartz particles consistent with contamination from the sample catcher or sample manipulation tools, and a final category containing carbonaceous particles. Analysis of this final category was the main focus of this study. Through examination of the carbonaceous materials, the appropriate analytical processes for sample transportation and handling were optimized to minimize sample damage and terrestrial contamination. Particles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy/scanning transmission electron microscopy, and Ca-carbonate inclusions were found in one particle. In a different particle, a heterogeneous distribution of silicon in a uniform C, N, and O matrix was found. Though further analysis is required for a strict determination of particle origin, the differences in the microstructure and elemental distribution of the carbonaceous particles suggest multiple origins.

Preliminary results of the analyses of five carbonaceous materials (particle size of approximately 50 m) from the Hayabusa spacecraft sample catcher, including their texture, chemistry, and chemical/isotopic compositions, are summarized. The carbonaceous particles underwent sequential analysis using a series of microanalytical instruments located at several research institutes and universities. Collected particles were initially classified into four categories: two categories containing extraterrestrial silicate particles, one category containing metal and quartz particles consistent with contamination from the sample catcher or sample manipulation tools, and a final category containing carbonaceous particles. Analysis of this final category was the main focus of this study. Through examination of the carbonaceous materials, the appropriate analytical processes for sample transportation and handling were optimized to minimize sample damage and terrestrial contamination. Particles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy/scanning transmission electron microscopy, and Ca-carbonate inclusions were found in one particle. In a different particle, a heterogeneous distribution of silicon in a uniform C, N, and O matrix was found. Though further analysis is required for a strict determination of particle origin, the differences in the microstructure and elemental distribution of the carbonaceous particles suggest multiple origins.

Since isotopic ratios of H, C, and N are sensitive indicators for determining extraterrestrial organics, we have measured these isotopes of Hayabusa category 3 organic samples of RB-QD04-0047-02, RA-QD02-0120, and RB-QD04-0001 with ion imaging using a NanoSIMS ion microprobe. All samples have H, C, and N isotopic compositions that are terrestrial within errors (approximately +/- 50% for H, approximately +/- 9% for C, and approximately +/- 2% for N). None of these samples contain micrometer-sized hot spots with anomalous H, C, and N isotopic compositions, unlike previous isotope data for extraterrestrial organic materials, i. e., insoluble organic matters (IOMs) and nano-globules in chondrites, interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), and cometary dust particles. We, therefore, cannot conclude whether these Hayabusa category 3 samples are terrestrial contaminants or extraterrestrial materials because of the H, C, and N isotopic data. A coordinated study using microanalysis techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), NanoSIMS ion microprobe, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and transmission electron microscopy/scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) is required to characterize Hayabusa category 3 samples in more detail for exploring their origin and nature.

We report the investigation of cutting methods for Hayabusa samples. The purpose of our study is to explore the possibility of applying multiple analyses to a single particle effectively. We investigated the cutting performance of a blade dicing saw, laser, focused ion beam (FIB), and physical breaking by microindenter. Cutting performance was examined by estimating the aspect ratio of the cut slit, i.e., depth over width of the slit. We also investigated the possible contamination and sample damage by cutting. The result of the investigation shows that we can cut the samples from <50 mu m to 500 mu m using those methods with aspect ratios from 10 to 20, although they would introduce some contamination or damage to the samples. Our investigations also provide an important basis for the analysis of samples obtained by future sample return missions.

This paper provides a unique data set representing the taxonomic type of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) accessible by available spacecraft. The research on NEAs has entered upon a new phase, thanks to sample-return space explorations together with state-of-the-art large ground-based telescopes. We made observations of 13 asteroids with the Subaru, GEMINI-North, GEMINI-South, and Okayama 188cm telescopes. Twelve of them have low delta-v orbits with the potential to be investigated by manned/unmanned spacecraft. Also, ten subkilometer-sized bodies are included among them, and are one of remarkable characteristics in terms of their evolutionary scenario. We have found that eleven asteroids are classified as S-complex, and one asteroid as the V-type. Most S-complex asteroids (eight out of eleven, similar to 70%) have spectra similar to subgroups of Q- or Sq-type, suggesting that these objects are less matured by space weathering. We discuss the dominance of S-complex asteroids based on previous research.

We observed the lightcurves of 13 V-type asteroids [(1933) Tinchen, (2011) Veteraniya, (2508) Alupka, (3657) Ermolova, (3900) Knezevic, (4005) Dyagilev, (4383) Suruga, (4434) Nikulin, (4796) Lewis, (6331) 1992 FZ(1), (8645) 1998 TN, (10285) Renemichelsen, and (10320) Reiland]. Using these observations we determined the rotational rates of the asteroids, with the exception of Nikulin and Renemichelsen. The distribution of rotational rates of 59 V-type asteroids in the inner main belt, including 29 members of the Vesta family, which are regarded as being ejecta from the asteroid (4) Vesta, is inconsistent with the best-fit Maxwellian distribution. This inconsistency may be due to the effect of thermal radiation Yarkovsky-O'Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack (YORP) torques, which implies that the collision event that formed V-type asteroids is sub-billion to several billion years in age.

In this study, the three-dimensional (3-D) microstructure of 48 Itokawa regolith particles was examined by synchrotron microtomography at SPring-8 during the preliminary examination of Hayabusa samples. Moreover, the 3-D microstructure of particles collected from two LL6 chondrites (Ensisheim and Kilabo meteorites) and an LL5 chondrite (Tuxtuac meteorite) was investigated by the same method for comparison. The modal abundances of minerals, especially olivine, bulk density, porosity, and grain size are similar in all samples, including voids and cracks. These results show that the Itokawa particles, which are surface materials from the S-type asteroid Itokawa, are consistent with the LL chondrite materials in terms of not only elemental and isotopic composition of the minerals but also 3-D microstructure. However, we could not determine whether the Itokawa particles are purely LL5, LL6, or a mixture of the two. No difference between the particles collected from Rooms A and B of the sample chamber, corresponding to the sampling sequence of the spacecraft's second and first touchdowns, respectively, was detected because of the statistically small amount of particles from Room B.

On the basis of observations using Cs-corrected STEM, we identified three types of surface modification probably formed by space weathering on the surfaces of Itokawa particles. They are (1) redeposition rims (2-3nm), (2) composite rims (30-60nm), and (3) composite vesicular rims (60-80nm). These rims are characterized by a combination of three zones. Zone I occupies the outermost part of the surface modification, which contains elements that are not included in the unchanged substrate minerals, suggesting that this zone is composed of sputter deposits and/or impact vapor deposits originating from the surrounding minerals. Redeposition rims are composed only of Zone I and directly attaches to the unchanged minerals (Zone III). Zone I of composite and composite vesicular rims often contains nanophase (Fe,Mg)S. The composite rims and the composite vesicular rims have a two-layered structure: a combination of Zone I and Zone II, below which Zone III exists. Zone II is the partially amorphized zone. Zone II of ferromagnesian silicates contains abundant nanophase Fe. Radiation-induced segregation and in situ reduction are the most plausible mechanisms to form nanophase Fe in Zone II. Their lattice fringes indicate that they contain metallic iron, which probably causes the reddening of the reflectance spectra of Itokawa. Zone II of the composite vesicular rims contains vesicles. The vesicles in Zone II were probably formed by segregation of solar wind He implanted in this zone. The textures strongly suggest that solar wind irradiation damage and implantation are the major causes of surface modification and space weathering on Itokawa.

The mineralogy and mineral chemistry of Itokawa dust particles captured during the first and second touchdowns on the MUSES-C Regio were characterized by synchrotron-radiation X-ray diffraction and field-emission electron microprobe analysis. Olivine and low- and high-Ca pyroxene, plagioclase, and merrillite compositions of the first-touchdown particles are similar to those of the second-touchdown particles. The two touchdown sites are separated by approximately 100 meters and therefore the similarity suggests that MUSES-C Regio is covered with dust particles of uniform mineral chemistry of LL chondrites. Quantitative compositional properties of 48 dust particles, including both first- and second-touchdown samples, indicate that dust particles of MUSES-C Regio have experienced prolonged thermal metamorphism, but they are not fully equilibrated in terms of chemical composition. This suggests that MUSES-C particles were heated in a single asteroid at different temperatures. During slow cooling from a peak temperature of approximately 800 degrees C, chemical compositions of plagioclase and K-feldspar seem to have been modified: Ab and Or contents changed during cooling, but An did not. This compositional modification is reproduced by a numerical simulation that modeled the cooling process of a 50 km sized Itokawa parent asteroid. After cooling, some particles have been heavily impacted and heated, which resulted in heterogeneous distributions of Na and K within plagioclase crystals. Impact-induced chemical modification of plagioclase was verified by a comparison to a shock vein in the Kilabo LL6 ordinary chondrite where Na-K distributions of plagioclase have been disturbed.

The Planetary Material Sample Curation Facility of JAXA (PMSCF/JAXA) was established in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, to curate planetary material samples returned from space in conditions of minimum terrestrial contaminants. The performances for the curation of Hayabusa-returned samples had been checked with a series of comprehensive tests and rehearsals. After the Hayabusa spacecraft had accomplished a round-trip flight to asteroid 25143 Itokawa and returned its reentry capsule to the Earth in June 2010, the reentry capsule was brought back to the PMSCF/JAXA and was put to a series of processes to extract recovered samples from Itokawa. The particles recovered from the sample catcher were analyzed by electron microscope, given their ID, grouped into four categories, and preserved in dimples on quartz slide glasses. Some fraction of them has been distributed for initial analyses at NASA, and will be distributed for international announcement of opportunity (AO), but a certain fraction of them will be preserved in vacuum for future analyses.

The crystallization temperatures of Itokawa surface particles recovered by the space probe Hayabusa were estimated by a plagioclase geothermometer using sodic plagioclase triclinicity. The Delta 131- index required for the thermometer, which is the difference in X- ray diffraction peak positions between the 131 and 131 reflections of plagioclase, was obtained by a high- resolution synchrotron Gandolfi camera developed for the third generation synchrotron radiation beamline, BL15XU at SPring- 8. Crystallization temperatures were successfully determined from the Delta 131- indices for four particles. The observed plagioclase crystallization temperatures were in a range from 655 to 660 degrees C. The temperatures indicate crystallization temperatures of plagioclases in the process of prograde metamorphism before the peak metamorphic stage.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is currently developing the second asteroid sample return mission, designated as Hayabusa 2. Following the successful return of Hayabusa from the asteroid "Itokawa", Hayabusa 2 is designed as a round-trip mission to the asteroid "1999 JU3". The 1999 JU3 is a C-type asteroid, which is believed to contain organic matter and hydrated minerals. Thus, it is expected that successful sample collection will provide additional knowledge on the origin and evolution of the planets and, in particular, the origin of water and organic matter. The current mission scenario will enable the spacecraft to reach 1999 JU3 in the middle of 2018 and perform an asteroid proximity operation for 1.5 years. Three touch downs for sampling and one 2-m-class crater generation by means of a high-speed impact operation are planned during the asteroid proximity operation. The samples are to be brought back to the Earth by a re-entry capsule. The present paper describes the system design of Hayabusa 2, some key technical challenges of the mission, and the development status. © 2013 IAA.

We identified minerals on the surface of polished surfaces of Itokawa dust particles by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Their sizes ranged from 30 to 150 mu m across. Olivine, pyroxenes, plagioclase and chromite were identified, which correspond to SEM/EDX observations and analyses of these samples. Although Raman spectroscopy is suitable for the identification of maskelynite (diaplectic glass transformed from plagioclase), we could not find maskelynite in all of the samples investigated. This fact suggests that the shock stage of the samples did not reach S4, which is consistent with the other results of the Hayabusa initial analyses.

Records of micrometeorite collisions at down to submicron scales were discovered on dust grains recovered from near-Earth asteroid 25143 (Itokawa). Because the grains were sampled from very near the surface of the asteroid, by the Hayabusa spacecraft, their surfaces reflect the low-gravity space environment influencing the physical nature of the asteroid exterior. The space environment was examined by description of grain surfaces and asteroidal scenes were reconstructed. Chemical and O isotope compositions of five lithic grains, with diameters near 50 mu m, indicate that the uppermost layer of the rubble-pile-textured Itokawa is largely composed of equilibrated LL-ordinary-chondrite-like material with superimposed effects of collisions. The surfaces of the grains are dominated by fractures, and the fracture planes contain not only sub-mu m-sized craters but also a large number of sub-mu m-to several-mu m-sized adhered particles, some of the latter composed of glass. The size distribution and chemical compositions of the adhered particles, together with the occurrences of the sub-mu m-sized craters, suggest formation by hypervelocity collisions of micrometeorites at down to nm scales, a process expected in the physically hostile environment at an asteroid's surface. We describe impact-related phenomena, ranging in scale from 10(-9) to 10(4) meters, demonstrating the central role played by impact processes in the long-term evolution of planetary bodies. Impact appears to be an important process shaping the exteriors of not only large planetary bodies, such as the moon, but also low-gravity bodies such as asteroids.

Making a survey of Itokawids, i.e., meteor(oid)s originating from Apollo-type near-Earth Asteroid (25143) ltokawa, from among the multiple-station optical meteor orbit data, and employing several orbital similarity criteria, we found five Itokawid candidates. Furthermore, we classified the Itokawid candidates in meteorite types according to their physical data. The physical analyses indicate that all of the candidates evidently belong to not cometary, but asteroidal, meteoroids. Especially, the fireball, MORP 172, is the one candidate that is classified among ordinary/carbonaceous chondrites, as against the four other at carbonaceous chondrites. Hence, the classified meteoritic matter of MORP 172 shows more similarities to Itokawa's surface composition of an LL chondrite analogue than those of the other candidates. Therefore, the fireball is considered to be the strongest of the Itokawid candidates.

Noble gas isotopes were measured in three rocky grains from asteroid Itokawa to elucidate a history of irradiation from cosmic rays and solar wind on its surface. Large amounts of solar helium (He), neon (Ne), and argon (Ar) trapped in various depths in the grains were observed, which can be explained by multiple implantations of solar wind particles into the grains, combined with preferential He loss caused by frictional wear of space-weathered rims on the grains. Short residence time of less than 8 million years was implied for the grains by an estimate on cosmic-ray-produced (21)Ne. Our results suggest that Itokawa is continuously losing its surface materials into space at a rate of tens of centimeters per million years. The lifetime of Itokawa should be much shorter than the age of our solar system.

The Hayabusa spacecraft successfully recovered dust particles from the surface of near-Earth asteroid 25143 Itokawa. Synchrotron-radiation x-ray diffraction and transmission and scanning electron microscope analyses indicate that the mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the Itokawa dust particles are identical to those of thermally metamorphosed LL chondrites, consistent with spectroscopic observations made from Earth and by the Hayabusa spacecraft. Our results directly demonstrate that ordinary chondrites, the most abundant meteorites found on Earth, come from S-type asteroids. Mineral chemistry indicates that the majority of regolith surface particles suffered long-term thermal annealing and subsequent impact shock, suggesting that Itokawa is an asteroid made of reassembled pieces of the interior portions of a once larger asteroid.

Meteorite studies suggest that each solar system object has a unique oxygen isotopic composition. Chondrites, the most primitive of meteorites, have been believed to be derived from asteroids, but oxygen isotopic compositions of asteroids themselves have not been established. We measured, using secondary ion mass spectrometry, oxygen isotopic compositions of rock particles from asteroid 25143 Itokawa returned by the Hayabusa spacecraft. Compositions of the particles are depleted in (16)O relative to terrestrial materials and indicate that Itokawa, an S-type asteroid, is one of the sources of the LL or L group of equilibrated ordinary chondrites. This is a direct oxygen-isotope link between chondrites and their parent asteroid.

Regolith particles on the asteroid Itokawa were recovered by the Hayabusa mission. Their three-dimensional (3D) structure and other properties, revealed by x-ray microtomography, provide information on regolith formation. Modal abundances of minerals, bulk density (3.4 grams per cubic centimeter), and the 3D textures indicate that the particles represent a mixture of equilibrated and less-equilibrated LL chondrite materials. Evidence for melting was not seen on any of the particles. Some particles have rounded edges. Overall, the particles' size and shape are different from those seen in particles from the lunar regolith. These features suggest that meteoroid impacts on the asteroid surface primarily form much of the regolith particle, and that seismic-induced grain motion in the smooth terrain abrades them over time.

Context. Near-Earth asteroid 162173 (1999 JU3) is a potential flyby and rendezvous target for interplanetary missions because of its easy-to-reach orbit. The physical and thermal properties of the asteroid are relevant for establishing the scientific mission goals and also important in the context of near-Earth object studies in general. Aims. Our goal was to derive key physical parameters such as shape, spin-vector, size, geometric albedo, and surface properties of 162173 (1999 JU3). Methods. With three sets of published thermal observations (ground-based N-band, Akari IRC, Spitzer IRS), we applied a thermophysical model to derive the radiometric properties of the asteroid. The calculations were performed for the full range of possible shape and spin-vector solutions derived from the available sample of visual lightcurve observations. Results. The near-Earth asteroid 162173 (1999 JU3) has an effective diameter of 0.87 +/- 0.03 km and a geometric albedo of 0.070 +/- 0.006. The chi(2)-test reveals a strong preference for a retrograde sense of rotation with a spin-axis orientation of lambda(ecl) = 73 degrees, beta(ecl) = -62 degrees and P-sid = 7.63 +/- 0.01 h. The most likely thermal inertia ranges between 200 and 600 Jm(-2) s(-0.5) K-1, about a factor of 2 lower than the value for 25143 Itokawa. This indicates that the surface lies somewhere between a thick-dust regolith and a rock/boulder/cm-sized, gravel-dominated surface like that of 25143 Itokawa. Our analysis represents the first time that shape and spin-vector information has been derived from a combined data set of visual lightcurves (reflected light) and mid-infrared photometry and spectroscopy (thermal emission).

It has been thought that the lunar highland crust was formed by the crystallization and floatation of plagioclase from a global magma ocean(1,2), although the actual generation mechanisms are still debated(2,3). The composition of the lunar highland crust is therefore important for understanding the formation of such a magma ocean and the subsequent evolution of the Moon. The Multiband Imager(4) on the Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE)(5) has a high spatial resolution of optimized spectral coverage, which should allow a clear view of the composition of the lunar crust. Here we report the global distribution of rocks of high plagioclase abundance ( approaching 100 vol.%), using an unambiguous plagioclase absorption band recorded by the SELENE Multiband Imager. If the upper crust indeed consists of nearly 100 vol.% plagioclase, this is significantly higher than previous estimates of 82-92 vol.% (refs 2, 6, 7), providing a valuable constraint on models of lunar magma ocean evolution.

We determined model ages of mare deposits on the farside of the Moon on the basis of the crater frequency distributions in 10- meter- resolution images obtained by the Terrain Camera on SELENE ( Selenological and Engineering Explorer) ( Kaguya). Most mare volcanism that formed mare deposits on the lunar farside ceased at similar to 3.0 billion years ago, suggesting that mare volcanism on the Moon was markedly reduced globally during this period. However, several mare deposits at various locations on the lunar farside also show a much younger age, clustering at similar to 2.5 billion years ago. These young ages indicate that mare volcanism on the lunar farside lasted longer than was previously considered and may have occurred episodically.

Reported in this paper are the results of a mission analysis conducted for an asteroid exploration mission. Following the results obtained from HAYABUSA, a Japanese asteroid explorer, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has started studying the possibility of the next asteroid exploration mission. The mission studied gives priority to the early retrieval of a sample from an asteroid with a primitive composition. Therefore, the design of the spacecraft follows that of the HAYABUSA, basically as it is, and the spacecraft is planned to be launched early in the next decade. The objective of the mission analysis is to design a mission sequence which has a launch window early in the next decade, is feasible utilizing a HAYABUSA-type spacecraft, and whose target asteroid complies with the scientific objectives. The results include the selection of the target asteroid, the design of the nominal mission sequence, and the alternative sequence to overcome the drawbacks of the nominal sequence.

On September 14, 2007, Moon explorer SELENE (Kaguya) was launched to the Moon carrying a 10-m spatial resolution stereo-camera, the Terrain Camera (TC). Particular mission objectives of the TC include Polar regions and Mare regions such as Oceanus Procellarum, South-Pole to Aitken basin, and Mare Orientale, that have not been observed with TC's high-resolution stereoscopy. The first TC data of the Moon were obtained on Nov. 3, 2007. We confirmed 1) that the TC had not generated any defective pixels and would achieve high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) performance and 2) that the TC could provide high-quality data in the Polar regions and a 180 km region extending from 60N to 66N along 240E. We could acquire scientific information from ortho images and digital terrain models (DTMs) produced from these TC first data. On Nov. 24, 2007, we acquired several sequential strip data, from which a seamless mosaicked TC ortho image and DTMs were successfully produced. These seamless mosaicked data will be very useful for investigating large mare regions. After completion of the nominal checkout phase on Dec. 21, 2007, the TC began the nominal mission operation phase with other mission instruments. Thus, we could confirm that TC will provide fundamental assets for lunar science from the initial checkout phase data.

Mid-infrared observations of the Apollo-type asteroid 162173 1999 JU3 were performed in 2007 May during its close Earth approach with the AKARI space telescope and in 2007 August with the Subaru telescope. A thermophysical model analysis of the obtained data resulted in a radiometric diameter of 0.92 +/- 0.12 km and a visual geometric albedo of 0.063(-0.015)(+0.020). The geometric albedo is typical for C-type asteroids. The solutions for the thermal inertia of 1999 JU3's surface material were not as clear as for the asteroid 25 143 Itokawa due to less-favorable observing conditions. But the most likely solutions are connected to high thermal inertia values, indicating that the surface is predominantly covered by boulders and bare rocks, while areas with thick dust regolith are less common.

The Spectral Profiler (SP) onboard the Japanese SELENE (KAGUYA) spacecraft is now providing global high spectral resolution visible-near infrared continuous reflectance spectra of the Moon. The reflectance spectra of impact craters on the farside of the Moon reveal lithologies that were not previously identified. The achievements of SP so far include: the most definite detection of crystalline iron-bearing plagioclase with its characteristic 1.3 mu m absorption band on the Moon; a new interpretation of the lithology of Tsiolkovsky crater central peaks, previously classified as "olivine-rich," as mixtures of plagioclase and pyroxene; and the lower limit of Mg number of low-Ca pyroxene found at Antoniadi crater central peak and peak ring which were estimated through direct comparison with laboratory spectra of natural and synthetic pyroxene samples. Citation: Matsunaga, T., et al. (2008), Discoveries on the lithology of lunar crater central peaks by SELENE Spectral Profiler, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L23201, doi: 10.1029/2008GL035868.

The inside of Shackleton Crater at the lunar south pole is permanently shadowed; it has been inferred to hold water- ice deposits. The Terrain Camera ( TC), a 10- meter- resolution stereo camera onboard the Selenological and Engineering Explorer ( SELENE) spacecraft, succeeded in imaging the inside of the crater, which was faintly lit by sunlight scattered from the upper inner wall near the rim. The estimated temperature of the crater floor, based on the crater shape model derived from the TC data, is less than similar to 90 kelvin, cold enough to hold water- ice. However, at the TC's spatial resolution, the derived albedo indicates that exposed relatively pure water- ice deposits are not on the crater floor. Water- ice may be disseminated and mixed with soil over a small percentage of the area or may not exist at all.

A photometric analysis of the S-type Asteroid 25143 Itokawa is performed over multiple wavelengths ranging from 0.85 to 2.10 Pm based on disk-resolved reflectance spectra obtained with the Hayabusa near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS). We derive the global photometric properties of Itokawa in terms of Hapke's photometric model. We find that Itokawa has a single-scatter albedo that is 35-40% less than that of Asteroid 433 Eros. Itokawa also has a single-particle phase function that is more strongly back-scattering than that of Eros. Despite its hummocky surface strewn with large boulders, Itokawa exhibits an opposition effect. However, the total amplitude of the opposition surge for Itokawa was estimated to be less than unity while Eros and other S-type asteroids have been found to have model values exceeding unity. The wavelength dependence of the opposition surge width reveals that coherent backscatter contributes to the opposition effect on Itokawa's surface. The photometric roughness of Itokawa is well constrained to a value of 26 degrees +/- 1 degrees which is similar to Eros, suggesting that photometric roughness models the smallest surface roughness scale for which shadows exist. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A dichroic mirror/filter can divide light into two different wavelength bands by the principle of interference. We proposed to use more than a dozen of these mirrors, and make a simultaneous imager in many color bands. This also enables us to make a powerful spectrograph which uses many CCDs. We here report the first light of UT 15-band Dichroic-Mirror Camera. We successfully obtained the first light at the Cassegrain focus of the 1.5-m Kanata telescope in May 2007. We also carried out the second observing run in March 2008. Our instrument covers a wide wavelength range (390-930nm), and the field of view is about 4.5 arcmin in diameter with 0.27arcsec/pixel. Image quality was limited by seeing (similar to 1.2 arcsec at best). We describe basic design, characteristics, and performance of our instrument as well as early observational results. Future prospect of dichroic mirrors instruments will also be briefly discussed.

We obtained color images of near-Earth asteroid 25143 Itokawa by the Hayabusa multiband imaging camera to characterize the regional color properties. Images were obtained for the whole disk from the gate position (GP) and home position (HP) at a spatial resolution of 0.8-3.7 m/ pixel. Whole-disk spectra are adjusted to the telescopic data obtained by the University of Hawai'i's 88-inch telescope using the Eight Color Asteroid Survey (ECAS) system. The disk-resolved measurements show large variations in the three visible channels. We present a map of an index related to the degree of space weathering, which has been newly developed based on laboratory measurements. We find large variations in the degree of space weathering on Itokawa. Fresh materials are observed in regions of steep slopes and craters, whereas mature materials are ubiquitously distributed. This result suggests that pristine ordinary chondrite-like materials have been exposed through weathered layers by excavation. By also examining close-up images obtained during touchdown rehearsal, we find that most rocks in Itokawa's rough terrains are weathered. Instead of a regolith blanket, the surface of this small asteroid is covered with weathered rocks and gravels.

Reported in this paper is the result of the mission analysis of the asteroid explorer mission. Following the results of HAYABUSA, the Japanese asteroid explorer, JAXA has started the study of the next asteroid exploration mission. The mission now under study gives priority on "early" achievement of the sample return from an asteroid with primitive composition. Therefore, the design of the spacecraft follows that of HAYABUSA basically as it is, and the spacecraft is planned to be launched in early 2010s. The objective of the mission analysis is to design a mission sequence, which has launch window in early 2010s, which is feasible by a HAYABUSA-type spacecraft, and whose target asteroid complies with the science objective. The result includes the selection of the target asteroid, the design of nominal mission sequence, and some back up plans.

Reported in this paper is the result of the mission analysis of the asteroid explorer mission. Following the results of HAYABUSA, the Japanese asteroid explorer, JAXA has started the study of the next asteroid exploration mission. The mission now under study gives priority on "early" achievement of the sample return from an asteroid with primitive composition. Therefore, the design of the spacecraft follows that of HAYABUSA basically as it is, and the spacecraft is planned to be launched in early 2010s. The objective of the mission analysis is to design a mission sequence, which has launch window in early 2010s, which is feasible by a HAYABUSA-type spacecraft, and whose target asteroid complies with the science objective. The result includes the selection of the target asteroid, the design of nominal mission sequence, and some back up plans.

Puzzlingly, the parent bodies of ordinary chondrites (the most abundant type of meteorites) do not seem to be abundant among asteroids. One possible explanation is that surfaces of the parent bodies become optically altered, to become the S-type asteroids which are abundant in the main asteroid belt. The process is called 'space weathering' - it makes the visible and near-infrared reflectance spectrum of a body darker and redder(1). A recent survey of small, near-Earth asteroids suggests that the surfaces of small S asteroids may have developing stages of space weathering(2). Here we report that a dark region on a small (550-metre) asteroid-25143 Itokawa-is significantly more space-weathered than a nearby bright region. Spectra of both regions are consistent with those of LL5-6 chondrites after continuum removal(3). A simple calculation(4) suggests that the dark area has a shorter mean optical path length and about 0.04 per cent by volume more nanophase metallic iron particles than the bright area. This clearly shows that space-weathered materials accumulate on small asteroids, which are likely to be the parent bodies of LL chondrites. We conclude that, because LL meteorites are the least abundant of ordinary (H, L, and LL) chondrites, there must be many asteroids with ordinary-chondrite compositions in near-Earth orbits.

We obtained N- and Q-band observations of the Apollo-type asteroid 25143 Itokawa during its close Earth approach in July 2004 with TIMMI2 at the ESO 3.6 m telescope. Our photometric measurement, in combination with already published data, allowed us to derive a radiometric effective diameter of 0.32 +/- 0.03 km and an albedo of 0.19(-0.03)(+0.11) through a thermophysical model. This effective diameter corresponds to a slightly asymmetrical and flattened ellipsoid of the approximate size of 520(+/- 50) x 270(+/- 30) x 230(+/- 20) m, based on the Kaasalainen et al. (2005, Proceedings of the 1st Hayabusa Symposium, ASP Conf. Ser., submitted) shape model. Our studies show that the thermal observations lead to size estimates which are about 15% smaller than the radar results (Ostro et al. 2005, Met. Plan. Sci., submitted), slightly outside the stated radar uncertainties of +/- 10%. We determined a rather high thermal inertia of 750 J m(-2) s(-0.)5 K-1. This is an indication for a bare rock dominated surface, a thick dust regolith can be excluded as well as a metallic surface. From our data we constructed a 10.0 mu m thermal lightcurve which is nicely matched in amplitude and phase by the shape and spin vector solution in combination with our TPM description. The assumed S-type bulk density in combination with radiometric size lead to a total mass estimate of 4.5(-1.8)(+2.0) x 10(10) kg.