Moscow State University is preparing a new space project to study the approach of the asteroid Apophis to Earth in 2029. This was announced by the rector of the university, Viktor Sadovnichy, at a solemn meeting dedicated to Knowledge Day.
We are preparing a new project in space [to study] the approach of Earth with this "rock." This will be a new breakthrough for Moscow University in space.
The asteroid Apophis, about 350 meters in size, was discovered in 2004. It will come closest to Earth – at a distance of 32 thousand kilometers – on April 13, 2029. For comparison, some geostationary satellites are at an altitude of about 40 thousand km. The Nuclear Physics Research Institute of Moscow State University is already exploring the possibility of launching small spacecraft or CubeSats to the asteroid.
As the rector noted, the implementation of this initiative is important for predicting larger asteroid threats. Other countries are also showing interest in Apophis: NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission (already in flight) and the European Space Agency's RAMSES are planned for observations. The Russian project, if it takes place, could be the first such mission by domestic scientists to an asteroid with the possibility of collecting soil samples.
Read more on the topic:
- Giant Asteroid Heading Towards Earth: Russia Considers Sending a Satellite to It
- Asteroid Apophis to pass close to Earth: Russia has already developed a plan for its study
- Second Chelyabinsk meteorite could fall as early as tomorrow: astronomer calls for inclusion of protection system in the "Cosmos" national project