ESA Launches Ramses Mission to Study Asteroid Apophis' 2029 Flyby
The spacecraft will observe Apophis' close encounter with Earth, providing crucial data for planetary defense.
Overview
- Apophis, a 375-meter asteroid, will pass within 32,000 km of Earth in April 2029.
- Ramses will launch in April 2028 to rendezvous with Apophis two months before the flyby.
- Scientists aim to study the asteroid's physical changes due to Earth's gravity.
- NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission will join Ramses post-flyby for further analysis.
- The mission will enhance our ability to deflect potential future hazardous asteroids.