E

Asteroids, comets, satellites, and other small solar system bodies 
provide crucial clues for understanding the origin and evolution of  
the solar system and for supplying the building blocks of life.  
Numerous discoveries have been made through ground-based and space  
telescope observations and direct exploration by spacecraft.  
Meanwhile, in addition to analyzing meteorites and cosmic dust, the  
analysis of returned samples via sample return missions has enabled  
the acquisition of empirical and highly precise information.  
Integrating observational research, sample analysis studies, and  
theoretical/laboratory experiments is expected to foster new  
perspectives in planetary science. This session will focus on the  
latest theoretical and experimental research on solar system small  
bodies (meteorite & sample return analyses via high resolution  
analytical techniques), the latest results from ground-based  
observations, and new insights from current missions such as  
OSIRIS-REx and DART. It will also cover high-sensitivity observations  
expected in the large telescopes like LSST and JWST, as well as the  
Hayabusa2#, MMX, Destiny+, Hera, Comet Interceptor, Lucy, and Psyche,  
and the scientific progress achievable through their coordination.  
Furthermore, we encourage active discussion on the next-generation  
asteroid exploration mission concepts and payload studies currently  
under Working Group consideration, as well as on planetary defense.