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Japanese probe returns to Earth after a mission to the asteroid.. / June 15, 2010 /

Japanese Space Agency has announced the successful completion of the mission to the asteroid Itokawa, which began in 2003.

Hayabusa Probe entered the atmosphere and dropped a capsule in which they hope scientists are samples of asteroid materials. The capsule landed in a designated area in the desert on the southern Australia, informs AFP referring to the Japanese news agency Kyodo.

Hayabusa reached the asteroid Itokawa in late 2005. The probe made two landings on its surface to take samples of substances, but scientists are still not sure that this task was successfully accomplished. Sample could prevent technical malfunctions.

On the way back machine also faced with technical problems. It was planned that the Hayabusa mission to complete in 2007. Return of the probe was delayed due to unstable operation of engines

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