The Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics at Moscow State University is working on a mission plan to the asteroid Apophis. In the spring of 2029, this object will approach Earth to a distance of about 32 thousand kilometers.
To understand the scale: geostationary satellites are located at an altitude of approximately 40 thousand kilometers. That is, Apophis will pass even closer than them.
According to Eduard Boos, director of the scientific center, scientists are considering the possibility of sending small spacecraft — cubesats — to the asteroid. Their task is to fly up to the object, inspect it, and conduct research. A more complex scenario is also not excluded.
It will even be possible to land and take soil samples.
The asteroid Apophis was discovered in 2004 at the Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona. Its dimensions are approximately 400 by 250 meters.
It is named after the ancient Egyptian serpent-destroyer, who, according to myths, tries to destroy the Sun during its nightly journey.
Apophis regularly approaches Earth: after the flyby in 2029, scientists also predict new approaches — in 2036 and 2068.