All articles tagged with #asteroid apophis
NASA's $20 million mission to study asteroid Apophis in 2029 has been saved from cancellation with last-minute funding, allowing continued observation of the asteroid's close approach, though ongoing budget issues threaten future operations and research.
Exploration Labs plans a 2028 mission to rendezvous with the asteroid Apophis, aiming to deposit cubesats in its orbit and validate systems for future asteroid capture missions. The company is developing modular spacecraft and robotics for space object capture and transport, with a near-term focus on addressing space infrastructure challenges. NASA has also expressed interest in low-cost missions to Apophis, with its OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft scheduled to rendezvous with the asteroid after its April 2029 flyby.
The asteroid Apophis is set to pass close to Earth in 2029, but a new study suggests it's unlikely to collide with other space rocks that could alter its orbit and redirect it toward our planet. While the risk of collision is ruled out for the next 100 years, a new analysis of 1.2 million asteroids and comets in our solar system indicates that no such collisions are anticipated. However, there is a possibility of a close encounter with another asteroid named 4544 Xanthus in 2026, which could perturb Apophis' future path. Further observations are needed to confirm the presence of material in Xanthus' orbit and its potential impact on Apophis.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft captured a black and white sequence of its sample return capsule as it descended towards Earth, releasing debris from asteroid Bennu. The capsule performed a parachute-assisted landing in the Utah desert, and scientists have discovered an abundance of debris from the asteroid, indicating that more bits were collected than expected. The spacecraft is now heading towards its next mission, exploring asteroid Apophis, and will be renamed OSIRIS-APEX.
Scientists are urging NASA to send a spacecraft to visit the asteroid Apophis before its close approach to Earth in 2029. Once considered a potential collision threat, Apophis is now of great scientific interest. NASA's Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) wants to study the asteroid's interior structure and the consequences of planetary tides. OSIRIS-REx, currently on a mission to asteroid Bennu, is set to embark on an extended mission to Apophis after its close approach. The SBAG also encourages NASA to declare 2029 as the International Year of Planetary Defense.
Scientists are urging NASA to send a spacecraft to visit the asteroid Apophis before its close approach to Earth in 2029. Once considered a potential collision threat, Apophis is now of great scientific interest. NASA's Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) wants to study the asteroid's interior structure and the consequences of planetary tides. OSIRIS-REx, which collected samples from asteroid Bennu, is set to embark on an extended mission to Apophis. The SBAG also encourages NASA to collaborate with international partners and declare 2029 as the International Year of Planetary Defense.
Scientists are urging NASA to send a spacecraft to visit the asteroid Apophis before its close approach to Earth in 2029. Once considered a potential collision threat, Apophis is now of great scientific interest. NASA's Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) wants to study the asteroid's interior structure and the consequences of planetary tides. OSIRIS-REx, which collected samples from asteroid Bennu, is set to embark on an extended mission to Apophis. The SBAG also encourages NASA to collaborate with international partners and declare 2029 as the International Year of Planetary Defense.