As humanity grows increasingly aware of the potential threats posed by asteroids, efforts to monitor and mitigate these risks intensify. NASA’s upcoming mission to the asteroid Apophis aims to gather crucial data about this astronomical object, which is set to make a close approach to Earth in 2029. Meanwhile, China is gearing up to launch its own planetary defense mission, showcasing a global commitment to safeguarding our planet from cosmic hazards.
NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission: Pioneering research on asteroid Apophis
Also known as asteroid 99942, Apophis was first discovered by astronomers Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, in 2004. Approximately 1,100 feet wide, the asteroid has long been of interest due to its previous classification as a potential collision threat.
With its close approach projected to be on April 13, 2029, coming within 20,000 miles of the planet, NASA says that “this will be the closest approach to Earth by an asteroid of this size that scientists have known about in advance.”
As such, this ancient asteroid offers a unique opportunity for scientific exploration. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which recently collected samples from another asteroid, will transition to an extended mission called OSIRIS-APEX, orbiting Apophis on April 23, 2029, at a distance of about 2,500 miles.
The Small Bodies Assessment Group has urged for an expedited mission to investigate Apophis’ interior structure and tidal effects. NASA is reportedly contemplating using two small Janus spacecraft originally intended for the Psyche mission, despite budget constraints. Nevertheless, officials are optimistic about deploying a fleet of spacecraft for asteroid observation. Additionally, SBAG is advocating for international collaboration to enhance global awareness and preparedness for Apophis’ close approach.
China’s planetary defense plans: Launching a mission to deflect asteroids in 2025
Conversely, China is advancing its planetary defense efforts with plans to launch a mission in 2025, one year ahead of schedule. Akin to NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), this mission aims to orbit the possibly hazardous asteroid 2020 PN1, which measures 130 feet in diameter.
The mission will employ two probes launched aboard a Long March 5 rocket. One probe will conduct a survey of PN1, allowing for detailed observations both before and after impact. The second probe will function as an impactor, designed to slightly nudge the asteroid off its trajectory by a few inches. Unlike DART, China will conduct both the impact and observation phases simultaneously.
According to Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, a small deviation is enough to significantly alter the asteroid’s trajectory over time, possibly averting a collision with Earth.
“A deviation of [over two inches] would change the trajectory by over [620 miles] after around three months,” Wu explains.
Could China succeed or fail in their mission to deflect asteroids?
While China’s mission presents a proactive approach to planetary defense, it also raises questions about its feasibility and the implications of altering an asteroid’s trajectory.
The advantages include the potential to advance our understanding of asteroid dynamics and improve global preparedness for future threats.
However, there are risks associated with unintended consequences and the ethical considerations of manipulating celestial bodies, such as fragmentation into smaller asteroids, potential for space debris, loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction.
Ultimately, NASA’s mission to Apophis and China’s planetary defense test showcase global efforts to tackle near-Earth asteroid risks. These missions highlight the need for collaboration and innovation in protecting our planet. As we boost our understanding and capabilities, vigilance is vital. After all, we must remain proactive to ensure the safety of our world against the threats posed by space.