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NASA and ESA Gear Up to Study Apophis Post-2029 Flyby

10/8/2025

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NASA's OSIRIS-REx, now OSIRIS-APEX, will study Apophis after its 2029 flyby, mapping surface and seismic activity.
ESA considers RAMSES to observe Apophis, potentially deploying a subsatellite for geological insights.
Apophis's close approach will alter its orbit from Aten-type to Apollo-type, advancing asteroid dynamics.
Interstellar object A11pl3Z, 245,000 km/h, was detected by NASA's ATLAS and will pass Earth in December 2025.

History

Historical Context

The discovery of asteroid Apophis in 2004 raised alarms about a potential Earth impact in 2029, with initial predictions estimating a 2.7% chance of collision. This prompted NASA and international agencies to enhance planetary defense strategies. As of 2021, Apophis was confirmed to pass safely at about 31,600 kilometers from Earth, marking a significant milestone in asteroid monitoring and risk assessment.

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Story summary

NASA's OSIRIS-REx, now OSIRIS-APEX, will study Apophis after its 2029 flyby, mapping surface and seismic activity.
ESA considers RAMSES to observe Apophis, potentially deploying a subsatellite for geological insights.
Apophis's close approach will alter its orbit from Aten-type to Apollo-type, advancing asteroid dynamics.
Interstellar object A11pl3Z, 245,000 km/h, was detected by NASA's ATLAS and will pass Earth in December 2025.

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