[meteorite-list] Identification of Origin of Particles Brought Back by Hayabusa

[Ron Baalke]

http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2010/11/20101116_hayabusa_e.html

Identification of origin of particles brought back by Hayabusa
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
November 16, 2010

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been engaged in 
collecting and categorizing particles in the sampler container* 
that were brought back by the instrumental module of the asteroid 
exploration spacecraft "Hayabusa."

Based on the results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) 
observations and analyses of samples that were collected with a 
special spatula from sample catcher compartment "A", about 1,500 
grains were identified as rocky particles, and most of them were 
judged to be of extraterrestrial origin, and definitely from 
Asteroid Itokawa.

Their size is mostly less than 10 micrometers, and handling these 
grains requires very special skills and techniques. JAXA is 
developing the necessary handling techniques and preparing the 
associated equipment for the initial (but more detailed) 
analyses of these ultra-minute particles.

* The Hayabusa sampler container consists of 2 compartments 
that are called "Sample Catcher A and B.