Preparations for the RAMSES mission to the feared asteroid Apophis are progressing

On April 13, 2029, the 375-meter asteroid Apophis will pass less than 32,000 kilometers from the Earth’s surface, that is, less than a tenth of the distance that separates the Earth from the Moon, and even less than the altitude at which some artificial satellites fly. Although there is no danger of collision with the Earth, such a notable approach to the Earth as this makes a sector of the population uneasy. On the purely scientific side, this very rare natural phenomenon will be a unique opportunity to carry out astronomical research, as well as to acquire knowledge that will help strengthen the planetary defense against asteroid collisions.

During Apophis’ flight over Earth, strong tidal forces will subject the asteroid to stresses that will likely reveal previously unknown details of the chemical composition of its subsurface.

A spacecraft located very close to Apophis could observe these changes and provide scientists with a large amount of information about the composition and structure of the asteroid, as well as its behavior in the face of external forces. It is essential that we know these properties if we want to be able to prevent a dangerous asteroid like this from colliding with Earth.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with OHB Italia SpA worth 63 million euros to start the preparatory work for the RAMSES (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety) mission. The spacecraft for that mission would be based on an adaptation of Hera, the spacecraft from ESA’s first mission to an asteroid, which was successfully launched on October 7, 2024.

At its next Ministerial Council meeting in 2025, ESA will propose, for approval and funding, the RAMSES mission. This will be proposed as a new planetary defense mission in ESA’s Space Security program.

Artist’s recreation of the RAMSES (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety) mission concept. (Image: ESA Science Office)

The RAMSES mission would have to launch in early 2028 to be able to reach Apophis in time to study it as it passes through Earth. Therefore, in July 2024, ESA Member States approved the use of the Agency’s already existing funds to begin preparatory work for the consolidation/early implementation phase of the mission. This work will ensure that, if the RAMSES mission receives full support in 2025, its launch is feasible within this strict deadline. (Source: ESA)