The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced its plans to track the Apophis asteroid, which is set to make a close approach to Earth in 2029. The 1,230-feet-long asteroid is not on a collision course with our planet, but it will be passing by at a distance of just 20,000 miles, which is remarkably close. As part of its ongoing research into planetary defense, ESA has received permission to go on preparatory work for the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses).
The Ramses spacecraft is scheduled to launch in April 2028 and will rendezvous with Apophis in February 2029, two months before the close approach. During this time, the spacecraft will accompany the asteroid through its “safe but exceptionally close flyby” of Earth. The mission’s goal is to study the asteroid as Earth’s gravity alters its physical characteristics. This data will aid researchers in improving our ability to defend Earth from any similar object that may be on a collision course in the future.
The study of Apophis is significant because it offers a unique opportunity to observe the asteroid up close without having to travel deep into space. According to Patrick Michel, director of research at CNRS at Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur in France, “Nature is bringing one to us and conducting the experiment itself.” The asteroid’s close proximity to Earth will allow researchers to study its surface and potentially detect changes caused by the gravitational forces of our planet.
Apophis Asteroid
This mission builds on previous research conducted by NASA, which in 2022 successfully tested the ability to alter the course of an asteroid by crashing a spacecraft into it. This experiment demonstrated that it may be possible to change the trajectory of an asteroid and prevent a potential collision with Earth.
The study of Apophis will provide valuable insights into the composition and structure of the asteroid, as well as its response to the gravitational forces of Earth. By studying the asteroid’s close encounter with our planet, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how to defend against asteroids that may be on a collision course.
The Ramses mission is a critical step in the development of planetary defense strategies, and ESA’s preparations for the mission are underway. With the launch of the spacecraft scheduled for 2028, the agency has a tight timeline to complete its preparations for the mission. The close encounter of Apophis with Earth will provide a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid and gain valuable insights into the potential dangers posed by asteroids.
The ESA’s Ramses mission is an important step in the development of planetary defense strategies and will provide valuable insights into the composition and structure of the Apophis asteroid. The mission’s goal is to improve our ability to defend against asteroids that may be on a collision course with Earth, and the close encounter of Apophis with our planet will provide a unique opportunity for scientists to study the asteroid and gain a better understanding of the potential dangers posed by asteroids.
