Japanese space agency JAXA BLOWS UP asteroid with a BOMB

The Japanese spacecraft released the impactor from 1,640ft (500m), then retreated behind Ryugu as the bullet creates a cloud of debris.

JAXA then collected samples, which have been exposed by the demolition of the surface, to help explain the origins of the solar system.

Mission leader Makoto Yoshikawa said: “So far, Hayabusa2 has done everything as planned, and we are delighted.

“But we still have more missions to achieve and it’s too early for us to celebrate with ‘banzai.’”