The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has given its former OSIRIS-REx spacecraft a brand new mission – finding out the intriguing asteroid Apophis. Renamed OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Apophis Explorer), the spacecraft launched into this bonus mission after efficiently bringing a pattern from asteroid Bennu to Earth.
An artist’s rendering of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft descending in direction of asteroid Bennu to gather a pattern of the asteroid’s floor.(AFP File Photo)
Also read- Asteroid Bennu might reveal secrets and techniques of life on Earth. Its pattern in NASA capsule can have…
Wrap up the 12 months passed by & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click right here
Why Apophis?
NASA selected Apophis, an “S-type” asteroid composed of silicate supplies and nickel-iron, for its distinctive traits.
Apophis is ready to make an exceptionally shut method to Earth on April 13, 2029, coming inside 32,000 kilometres of the floor – nearer than some satellites. This shut encounter, though posing no menace, gives a uncommon alternative for scientists to review the asteroid’s floor adjustments and study extra about its composition, the US area company stated.
Also learn: ISRO to welcome 2024 with India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite launch on Jan 1
Natural experiment and scientific insights
The shut method of Apophis is taken into account an ideal pure experiment, permitting scientists to watch adjustments in its orbit, day size, and potential floor disturbances.
OSIRIS-APEX, geared up with a set of devices, together with imagers, spectrometers, and a laser altimeter, will carefully map the asteroid’s floor and analyse its chemical make-up.
The mission goals to grasp the results of Earth’s gravity on Apophis and acquire insights into processes essential to planet formation.
“We know that tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material are foundational processes that could play a role in planet formation. They could inform how we got from debris in the early solar system to full-blown planets,” stated Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, principal investigator for OSIRIS-APEX on the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Also read- Astronauts for Gaganyaan mission prepared and ready for flight to occur in 2025: ISRO chief
OSIRIS-APEX’s arrival and operations
OSIRIS-APEX is scheduled to succeed in Apophis on April 13, 2029, working in its proximity for roughly 18 months. In addition to finding out adjustments induced by the Earth encounter, the spacecraft will carry out investigations just like these performed at Bennu.
OSIRIS-APEX will execute a daring manoeuver, dipping inside 16 toes of the asteroid’s floor and firing thrusters downward to fire up rocks and mud. This manoeuver goals to unveil the fabric mendacity beneath the floor, providing scientists a better have a look at Apophis’ composition.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
