Asteroid Apophis is approaching Earth – and scientists have already figured out how to study it as closely as possible and with almost no extra costs. To do this, they propose using an existing spacecraft without launching a new one. Details were revealed at Samara University named after Korolev.
Specialists, together with the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have developed a plan to study the asteroid using the "Spektr-RG" space observatory.
Apophis is expected to pass by Earth in April 2029 at a minimum distance of about 30 thousand kilometers from the planet's surface.
According to calculations, the observatory's main scientific mission – studying the Universe in the X-ray range – will be completed in 2026. After that, the spacecraft will be able to change its trajectory and head towards the asteroid.
Scientists have simulated various scenarios and identified the optimal option. The most fuel-efficient option was to launch the mission on September 13, 2028. In this case, seven months later – on April 13, 2029 – the observatory will fly at a distance of about 18 thousand kilometers from Apophis's center of mass.
For comparison: previously, the asteroid was studied from a distance of about 14 million kilometers.
As Olga Starinova, Head of the Department of Flight Dynamics and Control Systems at Samara University, explained, this approach allows for a full-fledged study without creating a new spacecraft. After collecting data, the observatory will be able to return to its previous orbit and continue its work if necessary.
Scientists also considered an alternative scenario in which the spacecraft could approach the asteroid at a distance of only a few hundred kilometers. However, this option would require multiple engine firings.
The university notes that a similar approach can be applied to other space missions in the future. The results of the calculations and the mission scheme are published in the scientific journals "Space Research" and Solar System Research.
Read more on the topic:
- Giant asteroid Apophis to collide with Earth? ISU scientists explain what will happen in 2029
- Asteroid Apophis will fly over Russia: it will be visible to the naked eye
- Giant Asteroid Heading Towards Earth: Russia Considers Sending a Satellite to It