Former OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which successfully collected a sample from asteroid Bennu in September, is embarking on a new mission to study asteroid Apophis. Now renamed OSIRIS-APEX, the spacecraft still has fuel and instruments in good condition. This bonus mission has been approved by NASA due to Apophis’ close flyby of Earth in 2029.
Apophis, which will come within 20,000 miles of the Earth’s surface, has the potential to be visible to the naked eye. This close approach is a rare opportunity that only occurs every 7,500 years. As OSIRIS-APEX studies the effects of Earth’s gravity on Apophis and observes surface changes, scientists hope to gain insights into planet formation and planetary defense.
In April 2029, OSIRIS-APEX’s cameras will start capturing images of Apophis. The spacecraft will conduct similar investigations as OSIRIS-REx, including mapping the surface and analyzing its composition. Additionally, OSIRIS-APEX will perform a descent maneuver to stir up surface material for analysis, similar to what was done on Bennu.
Before reaching Apophis, OSIRIS-APEX has a series of close Sun passes to accomplish. The mission, managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, has the University of Arizona leading the science team. International partnerships include the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
OSIRIS-APEX is the third mission in NASA’s New Frontiers Program, following the successful missions of New Horizons and Juno. With its advanced capabilities and the opportunity to study Apophis up close, OSIRIS-APEX is poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of asteroids and their potential impact on Earth. Stay tuned for updates as the mission progresses, bringing us closer to unlocking the secrets of our solar system.
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