Apophis' Close Earth Flyby: U.S. Leads Planetary Defense with Minimal New Funding
On April 13, 2029, the asteroid Apophis will pass close to Earth, visible to the naked eye worldwide. This event presents a unique opportunity for America to lead in planetary defense and science. With minimal new funding, the U.S. can study Apophis and establish a lasting asteroid reconnaissance program.
The American Apophis Strategy, announced by NASA, plans to use the OSIRIS-APEX and Apophis Pathfinder missions during Apophis' flyby. OSIRIS-APEX, approved in 2022, will fly by Apophis after its Earth encounter. The Apophis Pathfinder mission will use the Janus spacecraft, Serenity and Mayhem, for a pre-flyby mission.
This combined 'before and after' data collection could revolutionize asteroid deflection mission planning. By keeping OSIRIS-APEX on track and unleashing Janus through a public-private partnership, NASA demonstrates its commitment to planetary defense and science leadership. Apophis will pass just 20,000 miles from Earth, closer than our geosynchronous satellites, offering a chance to prepare for future asteroid threats and project global space leadership.
The asteroid Apophis' close approach to Earth in 2029 is an opportunity for America to lead in planetary defense and science. By studying Apophis with minimal new funding, the U.S. can establish a lasting asteroid reconnaissance program, show NASA's commitment to leadership, and prepare for future asteroid threats.
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