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Dr. JB Vincent
@comet-toolbox.com

The exact time of the flyby is July 5th at 18:30 JST, as announced by JAXA today (global.jaxa.jp/press/2026/0...)

global.jaxa.jpJAXA | The timing of the flyby of asteroid Torifune by asteroid explorer Hayabusa2Get information on the The timing of the flyby of asteroid Torifune by asteroid explorer Hayabusa2. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilization.
Bill Higgins-- Beam Jockey
@beamjockey.bsky.social

Thanks for the link! Is any more known about the time of the encounter? I'm holding out hope that it might occur, considering timezones, during my country's 250th birthday on 4 July. And that, as seems likely, US Deep Space Network stations can make some contribution to Hayabusa 2's operations.

Bill Higgins-- Beam Jockey@beamjockey.bsky.social

The Hayabusa 2 spacecraft bus will encounter #asteroid Torifune on 5 July 2026. "The time of the flyby has not yet been determined," but I figure 19 chances out of 24 that it will still be 4 July in *some* part of the US at the moment of closest approach. During our 250th birthday. 🔭 #PlanetarySci

isas.jaxa.jpFlyby of asteroid Torifune on July 5, 2026 | ISAS