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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Itokawa from 90 degrees longitude

Itokawa from 90 degrees longitude
Itokawa from 90 degrees longitude A global view taken on 1 November 2005. ISAS / JAXA

Seen from this perspective, the asteroid reminded Hayabusa mission members of a sea otter:

Itokawa: A sea otter?
Itokawa: A sea otter? Hayabusa's scientists see a sea otter in the shape of Itokawa, and refer to its parts as the "head," "neck," "body," and even the "shell" being clutched in the otter's paw.Image: JAXA / Emily Lakdawalla