NASA Plans Detailed Flyby of Asteroid Apophis During 2029 Close Approach
In a remarkable confluence of scientific possibility, NASA is preparing to utilize the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft – recently returned from asteroid Bennu - to conduct an intensive study of asteroid apophis during its exceptionally close approach to Earth in 2029. The flyby, occurring at a distance of roughly 18,600 miles (30,000 kilometers), will provide an unprecedented chance to observe the asteroid’s surface and internal structure.
while initial observations indicated a small possibility of impact, scientists have since determined Apophis poses no immediate threat. This 2029 flyby offers a unique “science cherry on top” - a chance to gather invaluable data about a near-Earth object and refine planetary defense strategies. Named after the Egyptian god of chaos, Apophis has captivated scientists and the public alike as its discovery in 2004.The OSIRIS-REx mission, already lauded for its successful sample return from Bennu, will be repurposed to analyze Apophis, providing insights into asteroid composition, how they respond to Earth’s gravity, and the potential risks they pose.
The spacecraft will be reconfigured after delivering the Bennu sample to Earth in September 2023. NASA plans to use the 2029 flyby to observe Apophis with a suite of instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, and a radar system. This detailed examination will help scientists understand the asteroid’s physical properties,such as its shape,size,composition,and internal structure. The data collected will also contribute to a better understanding of the “Yarkovsky effect,” a subtle force caused by the uneven emission of heat from an asteroid’s surface, which can alter its trajectory over time.
