# Minerva II Rover-1A

> Hayabusa2 carried three MINERVA-II rovers, which actually use internal rotating masses to "hop" across the surface. Two of the rovers, Rover-1A (HIBOU) and Rover-1B (OWL)

**Wikidata**: [Q112971883](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112971883)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/minerva-ii-rover-1a

## Summary
Minerva II Rover-1A, also known as HIBOU, is a robotic spacecraft that was one of three MINERVA-II rovers carried by the Hayabusa2 mission. It is designed to move across surfaces by "hopping" using internal rotating masses. Launched on December 3, 2014, it is an uncrewed spacecraft.

## Key Facts
*   Minerva II Rover-1A is a robotic spacecraft.
*   It was launched on December 3, 2014.
*   The launch originated from Tanegashima.
*   It was carried by the H-IIA launch vehicle.
*   It is one of three MINERVA-II rovers associated with the Hayabusa2 mission.
*   Its locomotion method involves using internal rotating masses to "hop" across surfaces.
*   Aliases include HIBOU, MINERVA-II1 Rover-1a, MinervaIIRover1A, and Hayabusa2 Minerva 2 Rover 1A.
*   Its COSPAR ID is 2014-076F.
*   Its NSSDC ID is 2014-076F.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Minerva II Rover-1A?
A: Minerva II Rover-1A, also known as HIBOU, is a robotic spacecraft that was part of the Hayabusa2 mission. It is designed to move across surfaces by "hopping" using internal rotating masses.

### Q: When was Minerva II Rover-1A launched?
A: Minerva II Rover-1A was launched on December 3, 2014. It was carried into space by an H-IIA launch vehicle from Tanegashima.

### Q: How does Minerva II Rover-1A move?
A: Minerva II Rover-1A moves by using internal rotating masses to "hop" across the surface. This method allows it to traverse terrain without traditional wheels.

### Q: What spacecraft carried Minerva II Rover-1A?
A: Minerva II Rover-1A was carried by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. It was one of three MINERVA-II rovers deployed during the mission.

## Why It Matters
Minerva II Rover-1A is significant for its innovative approach to extraterrestrial surface exploration. As one of the MINERVA-II rovers on the Hayabusa2 mission, it represents a departure from traditional wheeled or tracked rover designs. Its unique "hopping" locomotion method, achieved through internal rotating masses, offers a novel solution for navigating low-gravity environments or challenging, uneven terrains where conventional mobility might be difficult. This design contributes to the advancement of robotic spacecraft technology, expanding the possibilities for future missions to asteroids, comets, or other small celestial bodies. By demonstrating an alternative mode of movement, Minerva II Rover-1A plays a role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic exploration, ultimately aiding in the collection of scientific data and understanding of our solar system. Its development and deployment underscore the continuous innovation in space robotics aimed at overcoming environmental challenges.

## Notable For
*   Its unique "hopping" locomotion method, utilizing internal rotating masses for movement across surfaces.
*   Being one of the three MINERVA-II robotic rovers carried by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft.
*   Its classification as an uncrewed robotic spacecraft designed for surface exploration.

## Body

### Overview
Minerva II Rover-1A, also identified by its alias HIBOU, is a robotic spacecraft. It is one of three MINERVA-II rovers that were part of the Hayabusa2 mission. As an uncrewed spacecraft, it operates under telerobotic control.

### Design and Locomotion
The rover is distinguished by its unique method of movement. Instead of using wheels or tracks, Minerva II Rover-1A employs internal rotating masses. These masses enable the rover to "hop" across the surface, providing mobility in environments where traditional locomotion might be less effective.

### Mission Details
*   **Launch Date:** Minerva II Rover-1A was launched on December 3, 2014.
*   **Launch Site:** The launch took place from Tanegashima.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** It was carried into space by an H-IIA launch vehicle.
*   **Classification:** It is an instance of a robotic spacecraft.
*   **Identifiers:**
    *   COSPAR ID: 2014-076F
    *   NSSDC ID: 2014-076F
*   **Aliases:** The rover is also known by MINERVA-II1 Rover-1a, MinervaIIRover1A, and Hayabusa2 Minerva 2 Rover 1A.
*   **Context:** Minerva II Rover-1A is one of two specific rovers mentioned from the MINERVA-II series, the other being Rover-1B (OWL).