Follow us on Google News (click on ☆)
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will be visible to the naked eye. NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission is preparing to encounter this asteroid, possibly accompanied by small probes.
The "NEAlight" project, headed by Hakan Kayal of the University of Würzburg Julius-Maximilians, proposes three probe concepts to leverage this unique opportunity. The goal is to better understand the solar system and develop measures to defend against dangerous asteroids.
Apophis is a relevant study subject for planetary defense. Discovered in 2004, this asteroid was long considered potentially hazardous due to its size and trajectory. Until 2021, it was at the top of NASA's and ESA's risk lists. After a flyby in 2021, scientists determined that Apophis will not collide with Earth for at least the next 100 years.
The first proposal of the NEAlight project is a small probe that would accompany Apophis for two months in April 2029. This autonomous mission would take photos and measurements of the asteroid before and after its close approach to Earth.
The second concept involves integration with a larger ESA mission called RAMSES. This spacecraft would be equipped with small probes and measurement instruments. If this project succeeds, a probe designed by the JMU team could provide significant scientific insight with less technical effort.
Apophis close approach in 2029
The third proposal involves a probe briefly flying by Apophis at its closest approach, capturing images. While less costly and simpler, this mission would have a limited observation time.
Launched in May 2024, the NEAlight project aims to define the requirements and specifics of the missions by April 2025. A successful outcome could prove the effectiveness of small probes in asteroid studies and encourage similar future missions.