In 2029, a large asteroid named 99942 Apophis will make a close approach to Earth, providing a unique opportunity for scientific study. This event, which the European Space Agency (ESA) describes as an “extremely rare natural phenomenon,” will be closely monitored by a spacecraft specifically launched for this purpose. The ESA’s mission, known as the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses), aims to enhance our planet’s defense mechanisms against potential future asteroid threats.
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will pass just 19,900 miles (32,000 kilometers) from Earth—closer than some of our own satellites. This event will be visible without telescopes to roughly 2 billion people in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, weather permitting.
The Ramses spacecraft is scheduled to rendezvous with Apophis before its close approach to Earth. It will then shadow the asteroid, studying the changes it undergoes due to Earth’s gravitational forces. Such interactions could potentially trigger surface disturbances like landslides on Apophis, offering fresh insights into its composition.
Despite its proximity, astronomers have confirmed that there is no risk of Apophis colliding with Earth within the next century. Statistically, an asteroid of this size—approximately 375 meters in diameter, nearly as large as the Empire State Building—approaches this close only every 5,000 to 10,000 years.
Patrick Michel, a research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), emphasized the uniqueness of this event. “Typically, we must venture deep into the Solar System to study such objects. For the first time, nature is conducting an experiment for us, allowing us to observe how strong tidal forces affect Apophis,” he explained.
The ESA has been authorized to begin preliminary work on the mission, with a launch planned for April 2028 to ensure the spacecraft can intercept Apophis by February 2029. A final decision on the mission’s continuation is expected by November 2025.
Richard Moissl, head of ESA’s Planetary Defence Office, remarked that missions like Ramses are vital for developing effective responses to potential asteroid threats. By studying Apophis’ composition, mass, density, and internal structure, and observing its behavior during the flyby, scientists hope to gather crucial data for mitigating future asteroid risks.
