The space probe Hayabusa 2 successfully dropped, at about 11:00 a.m. April 4, a metal block atop the asteroid Ryugu to dig an artificial crater of some size. JAXA says a chain of images relayed from the probe show signs of the explosion and soil particles shot up from the crater.

The metal block was released at 500 meters above the surface of the asteroid on board a device called “impactor” which was designed to automatically explode, past 11:30, in 40 minutes after release. The probe Hayabusa 2 was piloted to hide behind the angle explosion to avoid possible damages.

Commenting on the artificial crater, Prof. Masahiko Arakawa of Kobe University expects its size to be several meters in diameter and the rock particles should have shot up 70 to 80 meters above the surface of the asteroid.

Project Manager Yuichi Tsuda said the action proved most successful in collecting samples and images that should help orient future space exploration projects. PM Tsuda added:

“We are all excited. It was something we just had to try and see. The project was carefully designed ahead of time and we kept on studying the probe’s behaviors throughout its journey and after its arrival at the Ryugu.

“Everything went just as we had planned. We have obtained data even on the reaction at the designated point of contact.

“So, we can call it a success – nothing more to ask for.”