Japan to join European Space Agency in asteroid exploration mission targeting Apophis

In the vast expanse of space, a celestial body named Apophis has captured the attention of astronomers and space agencies worldwide. Discovered in 2004, this 375-meter asteroid has a rich history and a future filled with scientific exploration.

The asteroid Apophis, named after a character from the popular television series Stargate SG-1, has been the subject of much speculation due to its unusual close flybys of Earth. Initially, there was a 2.7% probability of an impact on Earth in 2029, but these fears have been alleviated as the probability of such an event has been ruled out.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has taken the initiative to send a probe named Ramses to accompany Apophis during its close flyby in 2029. Preparations for the Ramses mission have already begun, even though a final approval of the mission is still pending. The probe must be launched by 2028 at the latest.

The United States has been asked by the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) to participate in the Ramses mission. The ESA is pleased about Japan's interest in participating in the mission, as it reflects a global commitment to understanding and mitigating potential threats from near-Earth objects.

The Osiris-Apex, a repurposed NASA probe, is also on its way to investigate Apophis. However, its orbit does not allow it to investigate Apophis before its flyby of Earth. Osiris-Apex will arrive at Apophis about a month after its flyby of Earth. After its visit to the sun, Osiris-Apex functions better than before, promising exciting data from its investigation.

Ramses, on the other hand, will observe how the asteroid changes under the Earth's gravity before, during, and after the approach. It will fill the gap between the Osiris-Apex's arrival and Apophis's flyby of Earth, providing valuable insights into the asteroid's behaviour.

The Osiris-Apex, like Ramses, will investigate Apophis after its flyby of Earth. The data collected by both probes will contribute significantly to our understanding of near-Earth objects and help us better prepare for any potential future threats.

A collision with the asteroid Apophis would have catastrophic consequences, underscoring the importance of these missions. The Ramses mission, along with the contributions of Osiris-Apex, will bring us one step closer to understanding and mitigating these risks.

In the grand scheme of space exploration, the missions to Apophis represent a significant milestone. They demonstrate the collaborative spirit of space agencies worldwide and our collective commitment to understanding and protecting our planet from potential threats. As we look to the future, these missions serve as a testament to our ingenuity and our unwavering determination to explore the unknown.

Japan to join European Space Agency in asteroid exploration mission targeting Apophis