Asteroid Apophis is set to approach Earth in 2029, passing at a distance equivalent to one-tenth of the distance between Earth and the Moon. To observe this rare event, scientists and engineers are preparing a special spacecraft.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the “Fast mission Apophis for space safety” project (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety, Ramses). The spacecraft is expected to be launched in April 2028, with the aim of reaching Apophis in February 2029, two months before the asteroid’s close approach to Earth.
This upcoming event marks the first time in modern history that such a large object will approach Earth at such a close distance. The gravitational effects of Apophis’ close flyby may potentially alter its orbit around the Sun, its rotation period of about 30 hours, and cause geological changes on the asteroid’s surface.
Initially, there were concerns about Apophis potentially colliding with Earth after its discovery in 2004. However, subsequent studies have confirmed that the 2029 flyby will be safe and poses no threat in the foreseeable future.
This news is reassuring considering that an asteroid of Apophis’ size, with a diameter of 335 meters, could cause significant damage upon impact. As a point of comparison, the Chelyabinsk Meteor that exploded over Russia in 2013 and injured over 1,600 people had a diameter of only 17-20 meters.
While Apophis is no longer considered a threat, other asteroids remain under surveillance. The Ramses mission will provide a unique opportunity