Welcome Home, Hayabusa 3D 2012

Welcome Home Hayabusa 3D 2012 follows the Japanese space probe Hayabusa launched on May 9 2003 to collect samples from the asteroid Itokawa. The probe faces unforeseen difficulties including fuel leaks lost communication with Earth and the complete shutdown of all four main engines. Scientists on Earth work to restore contact and guide the probe back home. Hayabusa endures extreme temperatures and radiation while traveling far from the sun. The mission spans seven years as the small explorer completes its sample collection and begins its return journey. The film interweaves ground control efforts with the probes solo voyage through space. Hayabusa finally reenters Earths atmosphere over the Australian outback in June 2010.