Context
The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch a mission to examine the Apophis asteroid when it makes a close approach to Earth in 2029.
About RAMSES (Risk Assessment and Mitigation for Space Environmental Security):
- By European Space Agency (ESA)
- Objective:
- Study the Apophis asteroid in detail for better orbit prediction and threat assessment.
- Investigate physical properties, including size, shape, rotation, and surface composition.
- To enhance our preparedness and mitigation strategies for potential asteroid impacts.
- Launch Schedule:
- Launch Date: April 2028
- Arrival at Apophis: February 2029, two months before the asteroid’s close approach to Earth.
About Apophis Asteroid
- Name: Asteroid 99942 Apophis
- Classification: Near-Earth Object (NEO)
- Size: Approximately 1,100 feet (340 meters) in diameter.
- Named after the demon serpent in Egyptian mythology.
- Identified in 2004 as one of the most potentially hazardous asteroids for Earth impact.
- Primarily composed of silicate materials, iron, and nickel.
- Expected to pass within 20,000 miles of Earth’s surface on April 13, 2029.
Source:
The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
The experiment in question refers to:
(a) Voyager-2
(b) New Horizons
(c) LISA Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA
Answer: (d)
