Europe Plans Dual Missions to Asteroid Apophis Ahead of 2029 Flyby
TL;DR Summary
The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch the Ramses spacecraft in April 2028 to accompany the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in April 2029. Apophis, a 1,230-foot-wide stony asteroid, will come within 19,883 miles of Earth, closer than some satellites. This rare event offers a unique opportunity for ESA and NASA to study the asteroid's interaction with Earth's gravity, potentially aiding future planetary defense strategies. The mission's approval will be decided in November 2025.
- Why two missions are targeting the same cruise liner-size asteroid set to zoom by Earth CNN
- Introducing Ramses, ESA’s mission to asteroid Apophis European Space Agency
- Scientists set sights on asteroid larger than Eiffel Tower as it skims past Earth The Guardian
- Asteroid Apophis will visit Earth in 2029, and this European satellite will be along for the ride Space.com
- Europe Announces New Mission to Infamous Asteroid Apophis Scientific American
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