A Japanese spacecraft released two small rovers on an asteroid in a mission that could provide clues to the origin of the solar system. A Japanese spacecraft released two small rovers on an asteroid in a mission that could provide clues to the origin of the solar system. The Japan Space Exploration Agency said the two Minerva-II-1 rovers were lowered from the unmanned spacecraft Hayabusa2 to the asteroid Ryugu. The solar-powered rovers’ voltage plunged as night fell on Ryugu, a sign that they are on the asteroid, said Hayabusa project team spokesman Takashi Kubota. Illustration of two drum-shaped and solar-powered Minerva-II-1 rovers on an asteroid (Jaxa/AP)They can continue jumping as long as their solar panels and power last, Jaxa said.

Source: Irish Independent September 21, 2018 13:04 UTC