Which asteroid is Japan's Hayabusa2 mission expected to perform a flyby of in July 2026?

Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, renowned for successfully collecting samples from asteroid Ryugu and returning them to Earth in 2020, is continuing its journey with an extended mission. This ambitious next phase includes a high-speed flyby of asteroid 98943 Torifune, also known by its provisional designation 2001 CC21, scheduled for July 5, 2026. The spacecraft will pass by Torifune at an approximate relative velocity of 5 kilometers per second, aiming for a close approach of around one kilometer to gather valuable scientific data.

Torifune is a stony near-Earth asteroid, part of the Apollo group, with an estimated average diameter of about 450 to 500 meters and a rotation period of roughly five hours. The name "Torifune" itself holds interesting context; it was chosen through a public naming campaign and approved by the International Astronomical Union in September 2024. In Japanese mythology, Torifune is a god and a ship known for its safe, high-speed travel, a fitting name for an asteroid that Hayabusa2 will encounter at such a rapid pace.

This flyby is not only an opportunity to study a new asteroid but also serves as a critical technology demonstration for planetary defense. By accurately navigating Hayabusa2 during this swift encounter, Japan aims to enhance its capabilities in predicting and potentially preventing celestial bodies from colliding with Earth. Following its encounter with Torifune, the Hayabusa2 mission will continue its extended journey towards a rendezvous with another small, fast-rotating asteroid, 1998 KY26, in 2031.