In April 2029, the sizable near-Earth asteroid Apophis will make a close, yet safe, approach to our planet. This unique event presents an unparalleled scientific opportunity, and three separate space missions are poised to take advantage. The 340-meter-wide asteroid, nicknamed the 'God of Chaos,' will pass closer than geosynchronous satellites, offering a spectacular view for billions worldwide.
Leading the observational charge is the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ramses mission. Currently under development, Ramses aims for an up-close-and-personal study of Apophis, investigating its orbit, rotation, internal structure, and surface features. The mission will also analyze the impact of Earth's gravitational forces on the asteroid. Ramses, planned for launch in Spring 2028, will deploy two CubeSats before its rendezvous with Apophis, potentially including one that will land on the asteroid itself. International collaboration is key, with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) contributing vital instruments.
JAXA is also independently contributing to the Apophis observation effort with its DESTINY+ mission. Initially designed to study the Geminid meteor shower's parent body, DESTINY+ has had its trajectory adjusted to include a flyby of Apophis before reaching its primary target. The mission’s launch, initially delayed, is now planned alongside Ramses.
NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission, an extension of the Bennu sample-return project, will also join the observation efforts. Although currently underway, the mission’s continuation is subject to budgetary approval. However, plans are progressing for an Apophis encounter, pending Congressional support.
The combined data from Ramses, DESTINY+, and OSIRIS-APEX promises an unprecedented level of understanding about Apophis and its interaction with Earth. Coordinated observation strategies are being implemented to maximize data collection and scientific return. This collaborative approach, leveraging the strengths of each spacecraft, will provide significantly more insight than any single mission could achieve alone. The close approach of Apophis will not only provide a unique scientific opportunity, but also a remarkable spectacle visible to a large portion of the global population.
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Originally published at: https://www.space.com/astronomy/asteroids/god-of-chaos-asteroid-apophis-will-fly-by-earth-in-april-2029-and-these-3-space-probes-will-be-watching
