Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft flies past another asteroid, entering a new phase after finishing its main mission. The mission previously returned samples from the asteroid Ryugu to Earth, completing that primary objective in 2020. With the spacecraft now conducting additional observations during the flyby, Japan aims to gather more scientific and technical information that can support wider efforts related to planetary defense. The new encounter is presented as part of the spacecraft’s extended operations, leveraging Hayabusa2’s existing instruments and flight heritage to study an additional target. Coverage emphasizes that the flyby follows the successful sample-return campaign from Ryugu and that the encounter helps expand the mission’s value beyond its original timeline. By collecting data during the pass, Japan can improve understanding of asteroid properties and refine methods relevant to tracking, characterization, and risk assessment for potentially hazardous objects. The reporting links the updated activities to national interest in building capability for planetary defense.