A cruise ship-sized asteroid will approach Earth - ESA probe flies toward it

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to send the spacecraft "Ramses" to accompany the asteroid Apophis during its approach to our planet on April 13, 2029. The 375-meter diameter asteroid will pass at a distance of only 32,000 kilometers from Earth - closer than some satellites in orbit.

Despite the close approach, Apophis poses no threat to Earth. NASA scientists have confirmed that there is no risk of collision at least within the next century. However, this approach provides a unique opportunity for research. Astronomers believe that an asteroid of this size approaches Earth only once every 5000-10,000 years.

ESA plans to launch "Ramses" in April 2028, so that it will arrive at Apophis two months before its close approach to Earth. The final decision on the mission will be made in November 2025.

Apophis is of interest to scientists as a stony S-type asteroid. Such objects make up the most common class of potentially hazardous asteroids. Studying its composition and properties will help develop methods to protect Earth from possible collisions in the future.

"Ramses will demonstrate that humanity can deploy a reconnaissance mission to meet an approaching asteroid in just a few years," said Richard Moissl, head of ESA's Planetary Defense Office. "This type of mission is a cornerstone of humanity's response to hazardous asteroids. A reconnaissance mission will be launched first to analyze the orbit and structure of the approaching asteroid. The results will be used to determine the best way to deflect the asteroid."

"Ramses" will observe Apophis before and after passing by Earth. This will allow the study of how the gravity of our planet will affect the asteroid. Scientists expect to see changes in the shape, orientation, and rotation of the celestial body.

NASA will also join the study of Apophis. The spacecraft OSIRIS-APEX, which recently delivered samples from the asteroid Bennu, will head to Apophis immediately after its close approach to Earth.

Cooperation between ESA and NASA in the study of asteroids is not new. The agencies previously successfully conducted the DART mission to deflect the asteroid Didymos. The European probe "Hera" will be sent to investigate the consequences of this experiment in October of this year.

Source: CNN