Hayabusa spacecraft returns to earth

After a mission of over seven years filled with operational challenges, the Hayabusa spacecraft finally returned to earth as a fireball in the Australian night sky following the successful separation of the re-entry capsule.

The JAXA team received a beacon from the capsule and have been able to confirm it's location visually within the WPA. Recovery efforts will continue today as will the search for the heat shield.

Congratulations to the JAXA team !!!