According to the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, citing research scientists, more than 20 kinds of amino acids were found in the sand samples of the asteroid "Longgong" transported to the earth by the space probe Hayabusa 2. Amino acids are necessary for protein synthesis. Scientists believe that the discovery of amino acids in the samples may confirm the theory that substances necessary for the origin of life were transmitted from space to the earth.
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On december5,2020, a recycling capsule containing 5.4 grams of soil was sent to the earth. In June, 2021, sand samples were sent to scientists in different countries. The first studies identified the presence of carbon and nitrogen, the elements that make up organic matter, in the samples. An important research topic is to find out the existence of amino acids necessary for protein synthesis.
Human protein contains 20 kinds of amino acids, 11 of which are synthesized by the human body, and 9 of which cannot be synthesized, including isoleucine and valine, which were found in the soil samples of the asteroid "Dragon Palace". In addition, glycine and glutamic acid were also found in the samples.
The space probe Falcon 2 was launched into the asteroid "Dragon Palace" in 2014. The "Dragon Palace" is 340million kilometers away from the earth, and its diameter is about 900 meters. Scientists believe that the elements found in the "Dragon Palace" soil will help solve the mystery of the origin of water and organic elements on earth.
On december5,2020, the recovery capsule equipped with soil collected by the detector landed in the desert of southern Australia and was then transported to Japan.