November 30, 2014: LaunchAfter launch, the Hayabusa2 will fly once around the Sun, in a similar orbit to the Earth’s, then it will come back near the Earth in about one year to perform a swing-by. End of 2015: Earth swing-byAfter the swing-by, the Hayabusa2 will fly into an orbit that is similar to the 1999 JU3’s. It will make about two rounds around the Sun to arrive at the 1999 JU3. The Hayabusa2 will explore the 1999 JU3 while the asteroid revolves once around the Sun. Summer 2018: Arrival at the asteroid – Stay there for about 18 months.
After leaving the 1999 JU3, the Hayabusa2 will fly around the Sun almost once, and return to the Earth. End of 2020: Return to the Earth |
 * The above figure shows Hayabusa2’s trip from leaving the Earth to arrival at the asteroid. |