The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have initiated the Ramses mission, an international collaborative effort to study the asteroid Apophis during its close flyby of Earth in 2029. This mission aims to observe the effects of Earth's gravity on the asteroid and collect data relevant to advancing planetary defense methodologies.
The Apophis Flyby
On April 13, 2029, the asteroid Apophis, an object approximately 375 meters in diameter, is projected to pass within 32,000 kilometers of Earth. This distance is estimated to be one-tenth that of the Moon. Assessments indicate that Apophis poses no direct impact threat to Earth. Its close approach provides a unique observational opportunity for scientific research into asteroid behavior.
The Ramses Mission
The Ramses mission is designed to monitor Apophis and gather data on how the asteroid responds to Earth's gravitational forces. JAXA is scheduled to launch the Ramses spacecraft using its H3 rocket. ESA will provide scientific expertise, including mission planning and execution, and is involved in the development of advanced technologies for the mission. Instrumentation for the mission is expected to include a thermal infrared imager, which draws on technology previously employed in the Hayabusa2 mission.
Fujimoto Masaki, Director General of the JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, stated that the mission involves close cooperation with ESA’s Space Safety Program.
Implications for Planetary Defense
The close approach of Apophis offers a scenario to study how asteroids respond to external gravitational forces, which can inform future strategies for planetary defense. Patrick Michel, a planetary scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), indicated that the mission is expected to provide insights into the behavior of small celestial bodies when subjected to gravitational stress.
Findings from Ramses are anticipated to enhance the current understanding of asteroid deflection methods, including techniques such as kinetic impact. Michel noted that this natural interaction provides an observational scenario for scientists to gather vital information for developing asteroid deflection techniques.
International Collaboration
The Ramses project demonstrates international collaboration in space exploration, bringing together agencies from different regions to advance space science. This partnership between ESA and JAXA highlights a cooperative approach in preparation for the 2029 Apophis flyby.