Ryugu Data Vincent et al.

Rubble-pile asteroids, characterized by loose aggregates of debris held together by gravity, represent both a significant planetary hazard and a key to understanding planetesimal formation. Geologic mapping of these bodies provides essential insights into their origin, evolution, and surface processes. This knowledge is crucial for advancing space mission capabilities, from precise navigation and safe sampling to assessing the feasibility of future asteroid mining. Here, we present the most comprehensive geologic map of Ryugu, integrating Optical Navigation Camera (ONC) mosaics, LIDAR-derived topography, Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout (MASCOT) descent images, and spectral slope data analysis, which includes reclassification of previously identified features and newly identified features from global to local scale. Geologic mapping technique followed United States Geological Survey (USGS) planetary cartography standards using the ArcGIS Pro platform. This global framework provides essential geologic context for interpreting returned samples and constraining rubble-pile evolution. We identify geomorphological, structural and surface texture units on Ryugu’s unconsolidated rubble-pile surface using 0.2–0.7 m/pixel image mosaics. Elongated troughs at the poles and mirrored, oblique lineaments near the equatorial ridge are consistent with rotational strain. In comparison to rubble-pile asteroid Bennu, Ryugu shows a more uniform boulder distribution and more prominent equatorial ridge indicates a more intense period of rotational deformation. However, the western bulge deviates from this trend; its fewer boulders, underdeveloped ridge, and older degraded craters suggest selective resurfacing. These features show evidence of catastrophic disruption, rotational reshaping, and ongoing surface movement.