Sunday, February 16, 2025
HomeTechnologyESA is working hard to send a probe to a near-Earth asteroid:...

ESA is working hard to send a probe to a near-Earth asteroid: only 4 years to go!

Following the successful launch of the Hera probe, the European Space Agency is preparing the Ramses mission to study the asteroid Apophis, which is considered the most powerful for our planet. Scheduled for launch in April 2028, the mission is a continuation of planetary defense efforts, with key observations made during Apophis’ flyby in April 2029 less than 32,000 km from Earth.

After the recent launch ofHeraHera ESA, bound for asteroid Didymos and its moon Dimorphos, to verify the operational feasibility of planetary defense techniques against asteroids heading straight for Earth.European Space AgencyEuropean Space Agencymoving forward with development of a new planetary defense mission: Ramses. Scheduled for launch in April 2028, the probe will target Apophis with a diameter of 375 meters, and is considered the most dangerous to our planet.

What the Hera mission could reveal about an asteroid impacting NASA so it can be removed.

Apophis will perform a HooverHoover Closest to Earth in April 2029, less than 32,000 km from its surface. The flyover, a rare natural phenomenon, is expected to garner considerable global attention. According to Patrick Michel, CNRS Research Director at the Lagrange Laboratory and scientific manager of the HERA mission, “ This mission represents a unique opportunity for scientific research and planetary defense. ».

Scientific objectives of the Ramses mission

ESA explained in its press release that during the flight to Earth ” Strong tidal forces would push the asteroid and potentially reveal material beneath the surface. A spacecraft orbiting Apophis can observe these changes and allow scientists to learn a lot about the structure and composition of the asteroid, as well as how an asteroid responds to external forces. These are the points we need to understand if we hope to one day be able to deflect a dangerous asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth. ».

Apophis, one of the most dangerous asteroids for Earth, will be closely studied by the Ramses probe.

With 2028 fast approaching, the European Space Agency is ramping up development work on the Ramses mission. 17 October at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). MilanMilanESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and OHB Italia Director General Roberto Aceti signed the €63 million contract to begin preparations for the mission. At the next Ministerial Council meeting in 2025, ESA will propose the mission for approval and funding. If Ramses gets the full support required, the work will ensure its implementation within the stipulated time frame.

do you know

The Ramses mission won’t be the only probe headed for Apophis. NASA has decided to extend the Osiris-Rex mission, which was diverted to Apophis in September 2023 after delivering samples to Earth from asteroid Bennu. Although the probe, now named Osiris-Apex (Apophis Explorer), will not orbit the asteroid, it will fly nearby for about 18 months.

Ramses’ investigation will be an adaptation of the Hera mission. It will carry several payloads including navigation cameras and two. Cube setsCube sets. Jaxa (a Japanese agency) offered to provide a thermal imager similar to Hera. Italy has expressed interest in supplying at least one CubeSat, which could carry a French JioPhone. Seismic wavesSeismic waves Encouraged by the Earth’s tidal forces. In addition, France, in partnership with Luxembourg, is set to finance a low-speed radar FrequencyFrequency A second CubeSat was planned, making it possible to probe the interior of Apophis and detect possible changes during its passage. Other potential partners include NASANASAKorean Space Agency and ISRO (Indian agency), are also showing interest in participating in the mission.

Like the Hera mission, RAMSES presents itself as a major step in planetary defense, combining the priorities of space defense and scientific research. The success of this mission could have significant implications not only for asteroid research, but also for humanity’s ability to protect itself from potential threats from space.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments