TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a mission to study the Apophis asteroid, which will pass exceptionally close to Earth in 2029.
EXPLANATION:
- This mission represents a significant opportunity for scientists to gather detailed information about asteroids from an unprecedented proximity, enhancing our understanding of these celestial bodies and improving planetary defense strategies.
Apophis
- Apophis is a 375-meter-wide asteroid.
- It will come within 32,000 kilometers of Earth in 2029.
- Such a close approach of a large asteroid happens only once in approximately 5,000 to 10,000 years.
- The ESA’s mission to study Apophis, named the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses), aims to capitalize on this rare event to gather valuable data.
ESA’s Mission: Ramses
- The Ramses spacecraft will approach Apophis before it reaches its closest distance to Earth.
- It will accompany the asteroid on its journey, conducting extensive observations similar to NASA’s planned OSIRIX-APEX spacecraft mission.
- The mission’s objectives include studying changes in Apophis’ physical characteristics due to Earth’s gravitational influence.
- The Ramses mission will use a suite of scientific instruments to conduct a thorough survey of Apophis before and after its close approach.
- The spacecraft will analyze changes in the asteroid’s shape, surface, orbit, rotation, and orientation.
- These observations will provide insights into how asteroids respond to external forces and reveal details about their composition, interior structure, cohesion, mass, density, and porosity.
- ESA is the second major space agency to commit to a mission to Apophis, following NASA.
- Additionally, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has expressed interest in launching a mission to the asteroid.
- This global interest underscores the importance of studying Apophis and highlights international cooperation in space exploration and planetary defense.
Importance of Studying Asteroids
- Asteroids, primarily remnants from the formation of the Solar System, have not been the focus of many space missions historically.
- However, this is changing as the potential threat posed by asteroids becomes more apparent.
- Every day, hundreds to thousands of asteroids enter Earth’s atmosphere, with most burning up due to air friction.
- Occasionally, fragments reach the surface, but they rarely cause significant damage.
- Nonetheless, the risk of a large asteroid collision with Earth, which could cause catastrophic damage, is a real concern.
Planetary Defense and Previous Missions
- An essential aspect of studying asteroids is developing capabilities to protect Earth from potential collisions.
- In 2022, NASA demonstrated such a capability with the DART mission, successfully altering an asteroid’s trajectory through a deliberate collision.
- This mission proved that such maneuvers could be effective in preventing asteroid impacts on Earth.
Impact on Planetary Defense
- The data collected by Ramses will be crucial for improving our ability to deflect hazardous asteroids.
- By understanding how Apophis reacts to Earth’s gravity, scientists can refine strategies to mitigate potential threats from other asteroids.
- This knowledge is vital for developing effective planetary defense measures.
Scientific Insights into the Solar System
- Asteroids are considered time capsules, preserving information from the early Solar System.
- The Ramses mission’s findings will offer new scientific insights into the formation and evolution of our Solar System, contributing to our broader understanding of the universe.
Launch and Mission Timeline
- The Ramses spacecraft is scheduled for launch in April 2028, aiming to reach its designated location by February 2029, two months before Apophis’ closest approach.
- The mission will involve detailed observations and data collection, enhancing our knowledge of asteroids and advancing planetary defense capabilities.
SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/european-space-agency-apophis-asteroid-9466532/
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