Hayabusa2 will cruise toward the target using combination of ion engines and an Earth swingby like Hayabusa. The basic configuration of the spacecraft is mainly the same as Hayabusa, with several minor modifications. The spectroscopic equipment and sampling system will be improved to be more suitable to C-type asteroids, because the surface of C-type asteroids is expected to differ from that of S-type ones explored by Hayabusa. For example, we have changed observation wavelength of spectrometer. Those defects found in the Hayabusa operation (e.g. reaction wheels or chemical thrusters) will be corrected. Moreover, novel technologies progressed after Hayabusa, the flat antenna for example, will be also introduced.
Arriving at the asteroid 1999 JU3, the spacecraft will observe its whole surface by using remote sensing instruments. Then, the spacecraft will release small rovers called MINERVA2 and a small lander called MASCOT. MASCOT is made by DLR and CNES.
The candidate points for touch-down will be carefully determined by using the observation results. After selecting the touch-down points, the spacecraft will collect samples from the asteroid’s surface in a "touch-and-go" approach, like Hayabusa.
Then, the spacecraft will move to the final challenge with the impactor, which is going to create a small crater on the surface of the asteroid. After creating a crater, the spacecraft will try to touch down on it to collect the sub-surface materials.
The collected samples will be stored into the capsule, and return to the Earth after long homeward journey.