Physical properties of Asteroid (25143) Itokawa—Target of the Hayabusa sample return mission

We present results of a ground-based observational study of the Hayabusa mission target near-Earth Asteroid (25143) Itokawa. Our data consist of BVRI-filter CCD photometry and low resolution CCD spectroscopy, from which the asteroidʹs rotation period, axial ratio, broadband colors, and taxonomic classification are derived. Analysis of the R-filter lightcurve data shows a synodic rotation period of 12.12 ± 0.02   h , consistent with results from other observers. We observed a maximum peak-to-peak amplitude of 1.05 magnitudes, which—depending on the taxonomic class assumed when correcting for phase angle effects—implies a minimum axial ratio of 2.14. The shape of the rotation lightcurves varies considerably between data sets due to the changing viewing geometry. The lightcurve data from this study has been included in the shape model analysis of Kaasalainen et al. (2003 Astron. Astrophys, 405, L29–L32) and the Hapke analysis of Lederer et al. (2005 Icarus 173,153–165). Color variations were also observed, with the interpolated color indices at lightcurve midpoint being: ( B–V ) = 0.94 ± 0.05 , ( V–R ) = 0.40 ± 0.06 , and ( V–I ) = 0.74 ± 0.07 . Our low resolution Palomar spectra from March 2001 covered a wavelength range of 0.3–1.0 μm. We measured a spectral slope of 9.3 ± 0.3 % / 100   nm between 0.55–0.70 μm and a deep 1 μm absorption (equivalent ECAS color: w – x = − 0.111 ± 0.003 , v – x = 0.031 ± 0.003 ). Comparison of our spectra with published ECAS data from Zellner et al. (1985 Icarus 61, 355–416) indicates that this object is most likely of Q- or S-type, similar to ordinary chondrite meteorites. Our data are more consistent with a Q-type body when both the spectroscopic data and the available BVRI photometry are taken into account.