Japan's space agency confirms Hayabusa2 space probe mission was successful

TOKYO - Japan's Hayabusa2 space probe successfully made a close flyby of the asteroid Torifune, the country's space agency said Monday, releasing an image taken during the mission.

The flyby observation mission, which required highly accurate navigation, was completed at around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, with data collected using four types of instruments including an optical camera, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.