The ESA’s upcoming Ramses mission aims to study the asteroid Apophis, which will make a remarkably close pass to Earth in 2029, coming within geostationary orbit and visible to the naked eye.

ESA’s Space Safety Program head, Holger Krag, emphasized that this mission is crucial for planetary defense, targeting asteroids 30 meters and larger for warnings and deflection, with Apophis fitting this profile.

Project director Roberto Aceti highlighted the need for efficient management to meet tight timelines, as any delay could mean missing the asteroid.

ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti praised the mission’s potential for enhancing humanity’s ability to protect Earth, Space.com has reported.

Additionally, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is set to arrive at Apophis shortly after the flyby, showcasing collaborative efforts in planetary defense among space agencies.

Written by B.C. Begley