ESA's RAMSES Mission Set to Explore Asteroid Apophis in 2029
The mission aims to study the asteroid's response to Earth's gravity, enhancing planetary defense strategies.
Overview
- Apophis will pass within 32,000 km of Earth on April 13, 2029, offering a rare scientific opportunity.
- ESA's RAMSES spacecraft will launch in 2028 to observe Apophis before, during, and after its close approach.
- The mission will provide critical data on asteroid composition and behavior under gravitational forces.
- NASA's OSIRIS-APEX will join RAMSES post-flyby to further investigate Apophis.
- The initiative underscores the importance of rapid-response missions for future planetary defense.