NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which recently made headlines for collecting samples from the asteroid Bennu, is gearing up for a new mission. This time, it will be studying the asteroid Apophis during its close encounter with Earth. In light of this mission, the spacecraft will undergo a name change and be renamed as OSIRIS-APEX, which stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Apophis Explorer.
Apophis, a massive space rock, measuring over 1,000-foot-wide, is expected to pass within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029. This close approach is being seen as a unique opportunity for scientists and researchers to study the effects of tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material on planet formation.
Furthermore, it is believed that this close encounter with Earth will result in alterations to Apophis’ orbit and potentially even the length of its day. These changes could cause quakes and landslides on the asteroid’s surface, which might expose hidden material below. Such revelations could provide crucial insights into the composition and structure of this celestial body.
The OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft is set to monitor Apophis closely immediately after its close pass. It will start taking pictures of the asteroid two weeks prior to its approach and will stay in close proximity for a year and a half. This extended observation period will allow scientists to track and document any changes that occur as a result of the interaction with Earth’s gravity.
Although OSIRIS-APEX won’t make direct contact with Apophis, it will come within just 16 feet of its surface. Using its thrusters, the spacecraft will stir up rocks and dust on the asteroid, enabling scientists to gain valuable insights into what lies beneath its crust.
NASA has expressed high hopes for this mission, anticipating that it will lead to surprising discoveries and offer new avenues for future exploration. By studying Apophis during its close encounter with Earth, scientists aim to learn more about the formation of planets and potentially unlock valuable information about the origins of life in the universe.
As the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft embarks on its new mission, the eyes of the scientific community and space enthusiasts around the world will be closely watching, eagerly awaiting the wealth of knowledge that this endeavor may bring.
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