The ESA mission RAMSES must reach Apophis in time ahead of its historic close approach to Earth. When the asteroid passes at a distance of just 32,000 kilometres, scientists will, for the first time, be able to observe in real time how an asteroid responds to Earth’s gravitational pull. Millions of people will also be able to observe the flyby with the naked eye.
Roberto Aceti, Managing Director of OHB Italia—selected by ESA as the industrial prime contractor—emphasised:
“By studying Apophis during its close flyby, we will gain critical knowledge for protecting our planet. Building on the success of Hera, RAMSES will take planetary defence to a new level: we will not only observe how humanity can interact with an asteroid, but how an asteroid interacts with Earth itself.”
High-precision analysis with HAMLET
With HAMLET, cutting-edge European sensor technology will be deployed. The hyperspectral camera, based on the proven HyperScout instrument developed for the Hera mission, will analyse the surface of Apophis across numerous spectral bands in the near and short-wave infrared range. This will deliver high-resolution data on its composition, structure, and physical properties.
For the first time, this will enable a detailed mineralogical and geological analysis of an asteroid during a close Earth flyby — an important step forward for both scientific research and planetary security.
