Chinese Scientists Propose Cubesat Swarm Mission to Study Asteroid Apophis
Chinese scientists are planning a mission involving multiple cubesats to study asteroid Apophis when it passes close to Earth in 2029. The mission aims to gather data on the asteroid's mass, surface, and structure to advance planetary science and defense strategies. International collaboration is welcomed to enhance the mission's scientific impact.
China is considering a mission involving multiple flybys of asteroid Apophis using a swarm of cubesats in 2029. Scientists from Chinese universities are proposing a rapid response mission to study the asteroid's mass, surface, and internal structure. The mission, known as Apophis Recon Swarm (ARS), would use cubesats with various payloads for high-precision gravitational field assessment.
The data collected from the flybys could provide valuable insights into Apophis' interior structure and aid in planetary defense strategies. China is also working on its first planetary defense mission and has launched a near Earth sample return mission. The ARS mission proposal aims to test concepts in planetary defense and may involve international collaboration.
Other proposed missions, such as the European Space Agency's Ramses mission and JAXA's DESTINY+ mission, are also planning to study Apophis during its close approach to Earth. Apophis, a 340-meter asteroid, will pass close to Earth in 2029 but is not considered a risk for impact. The flyby will be visible to naked eye observers in certain regions.
According to the source: SpaceNews.
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