Must Listen

Must Read

What Art Thinks

Pre-Millennialism

Today's Headlines

  • Sorry... Not Available
Man blowing a shofar

Administrative Area





Locally Contributed...

Audio

Video

Special Interest

Daily News
20166
“Japan Says Space Cannon to be Fired At Asteroid is on Track After Successful Test”
by ABC   
October 24th, 2013
5042394-3x2-340x227

Japanese scientists, readying to blast a crater in an asteroid to find out what it is made of, say they have successfully tested their new space cannon.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the huge weapon would fire a metal bullet at the surface of asteroid 1999JU3 some time in 2018.

The Hayabusa-2, which will launch the weapon, will then land on the surface and take samples of the newly-disturbed soil as part of a project searching for organic materials or for any sign of water.

“The Hayabusa-2 project is progressing as planned,” a JAXA spokesman said.

The craft is set to be carried into space next year by one of JAXA’s dedicated H2A rockets, which are launched from southern Japan.

The probe will be flung on a trajectory that its operators hope will take it into the path of 1999 JU3 four years later.

go back button