Hayabusa’s main engine failed due to fuel leaks, but the probe was able to complete its odyssey by relying on ion engines developed by NEC. The Japanese firm’s unique method of using microwaves can extend the lifespan of an ion engine to more than twice that of conventional engines. Hayabusa’s successful return “has boosted the credibility of ion engines,” an NEC official said.
image: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/missiondetails.cfm?mission=Hayabusa
Japan is planning for the launch of the “Hayabusa-2” asteroid probe sometime between July 2014 and 2015.
The k2p blog 