NASA prepares to make contact with a giant asteroid

In 2029, a 340-meter asteroid, which scientists have named Apophis, will pass in relative proximity to the Earth. It is considered potentially dangerous: although it will definitely not touch the planet, there is a risk of contact with geosynchronous installations in orbit.

The minimum distance to the Earth will be 37 thousand kilometers. However, there are fears that such a close approach to the planet may change its trajectory, so that the next flyby will take place as early as 2060 or 2068.

NASA did not consider this position convincing enough and declaresthat in the next hundred years the asteroid does not pose a threat. However, the agency intends to study Apophis - including to have hard evidence against such theories. To do this, they developed the plan Apophis 2029 Planetary Defense Mission ("Mission to protect the planet", abbreviated as PDM).

As part of the mission, a research probe will come into contact with the asteroid a few months before the flyby of Apophis. It will allow you to know its physical characteristics and composition, as well as get an idea of ​​​​its structure long before it appears near the earth's orbit.

The Apophis 2029 PDM briefing and public comment will start on April 19th.