NASA’s Asteroid Sampling Mission Renamed OSIRIS-APEX for a New Journey

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which successfully collected a sample from asteroid Bennu, has been renamed OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security—Apophis Explorer) for its new mission. The spacecraft will explore asteroid Apophis, which is set to have a close encounter with Earth in April 2029. This asteroid is different from Bennu, as it is an “S-type” asteroid made of silicate materials and nickel-iron.

The close encounter with Earth in 2029 will bring Apophis within 20,000 miles of the planet’s surface, closer than some satellites. Scientists estimate that asteroids of Apophis’ size come this close to Earth only once every 7,500 years. OSIRIS-APEX will study Apophis immediately after the close encounter, allowing researchers to observe how its surface changes due to Earth’s gravity.

Apophis’ close encounter with Earth will also change the asteroid’s orbit and the length of its 30.6-hour day. The encounter may cause quakes and landslides on the asteroid’s surface, which could churn up material and reveal what lies beneath. This close encounter serves as a natural experiment, providing valuable insights into planet formation and informing planetary defense research, a top priority for NASA.

OSIRIS-APEX will arrive at Apophis in April 2029 and operate in its proximity for about 18 months. During this time, the spacecraft will study changes to Apophis caused by its Earth encounter, conduct investigations similar to those performed at Bennu, and even reprise one of OSIRIS-REx’s most impressive acts by firing its thrusters downward to stir up surface rocks and dust.

The mission’s previous incarnation, OSIRIS-REx, taught researchers a lot about asteroid Bennu, but it also left them with more questions for their next target. OSIRIS-APEX will provide valuable insights into asteroid Apophis, which represents more than just the opportunity to learn about planet formation. Most of the known potentially hazardous asteroids are also S-types, and understanding Apophis can inform planetary defense research.

In conclusion, the renaming of OSIRIS-REx to OSIRIS-APEX marks a new chapter in the mission’s journey. The spacecraft will explore asteroid Apophis, providing valuable insights into planet formation and planetary defense research. The close encounter with Earth in 2029 will offer a unique opportunity to study the asteroid’s surface changes and reveal what lies beneath. The mission’s previous success at asteroid Bennu has left researchers eager to uncover the surprises that await them on their next target.