Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses)

November 6, 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) has started initial planning for a mission to explore a large asteroid called Apophis, officially known as asteroid (99942). This mission, named the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES), is designed to reach Apophis in February 2029. NASA is also preparing its mission, Osiris-Apex, to examine Apophis during the same close approach.

What is Apophis?

Apophis was discovered in 2004 and is roughly 340 meters (1,115 feet) in diameter. Due to its size, it could cause severe destruction if it hit Earth. Thankfully, it’s expected to pass safely by on April 13, 2029, coming within about 19,794 miles (31,860 kilometers) of our planet, which is close enough for detailed study but not a danger to Earth.

Why are Asteroids a Threat?

Asteroids are ancient pieces left over from when the Solar System formed. Many are located in the asteroid belt, but some are closer to Earth. Earth is at constant risk from these objects, especially from the 35,000 or so near-Earth objects (NEOs). Of these, about 2,300 are large enough and close enough to be considered “potentially hazardous.”

Asteroid Impacts in History

Large asteroids have impacted Earth in the past, leading to major extinction events. For instance, scientists believe an asteroid impact 66 million years ago was a major factor in the extinction of the dinosaurs. A collision with a large asteroid would release massive energy, potentially as much as several nuclear explosions.

Tracking and Preventing Asteroid Impacts

Astronomers use various surveys and telescopes to find and track hazardous asteroids. However, detecting these objects alone isn’t enough. It’s also important to develop ways to deflect or redirect them if one is on a collision course with Earth.

Details of the Ramses and Osiris-Apex Missions

The Ramses mission will observe changes in Apophis’s orbit, rotation, and shape as it comes near Earth. NASA’s Osiris-Apex mission will investigate its surface by disturbing dust to reveal the asteroid’s layers underneath. Together, these missions may help scientists develop methods to deflect future asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.

Having a chance to study an asteroid as closely as Apophis is rare—such opportunities only occur every 5,000 to 10,000 years. Information gathered could be crucial for understanding how to defend Earth from asteroids in the future.

Connection to Ancient Mythology

The names Ramses and Osiris-Apex have roots in Egyptian mythology. Apophis, in Egyptian lore, symbolizes a force of darkness trying to consume the sun god, Re. These missions, in a sense, represent humanity’s attempt to “conquer” a dangerous space object, just as Re fought to overcome Apophis in the myths.

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