Apophis approaches Earth by 31,000 km on April 13, 2029. Provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
On April 13, 2029, the asteroid’Apophis’ orbiting the sun in a similar cycle to the Earth approaches 31,000 km from Earth. It is a closer distance than the Cheonrian satellite floating in geostationary orbit about 36,000 km from Earth. First discovered by American scientists in 2004, the asteroid measures 390 meters in diameter and is the size of the Empire State Building. Before the Apophis appeared in the Earth’s night sky with a brightness similar to that of the Big Dipper, in December 2028, Korea’s first asteroid probe flew into Apophis orbit. The probe will be launched at the end of 2026 on the next improved model of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri, which was developed independently by Korea. As the probe orbits the Apophis approaching Earth, it will vividly convey how the rotational cycle and surface structure of the asteroid change due to Earth’s gravity. In July 2029, they approach the surface of the asteroid, put down a microscopic probe and start collecting samples. This novel-like story is part of the scenario of Korea’s first asteroid exploration project. Korea Astronomical Research Institute’s Space Science Headquarters Director Choi Young-joon unveiled the first asteroid exploration plan to prepare a turning point in Korean space exploration at the Science and Technology Future Forum held at the Daejeon Meteor Astronomical Center on the 25th.
● A rare opportunity to personally explore secrets of the solar system
Asteroids are believed to have been relatively well-preserved when the solar system was first formed. That’s why space scientists see asteroids as fossils of the solar system. Asteroids are rich in rare earths and rare minerals, making them a treasure trove of future resources. Some asteroids are likely to collide with the Earth, so research is also needed in terms of planetary defense. Apophis, which orbits the sun once every 324 days, is classified as a terrestrial asteroid that has a very low probability of collision but still exists. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the probability of a collision between Earth and Apophis in 2068 is only 1 in 380,000. However, if it falls on the Korean peninsula, it has a terrible power to destroy the entire metropolitan area.
Asteroid exploration is one of the most challenging scientific missions to study the solar system. Cutting-edge science, mathematics, and technology are mobilized to accurately land on an asteroid that is less than a kilometer in diameter by flying hundreds of millions of kilometers through outer space. The advanced countries of space were challenged to asteroid exploration from an early age. This is because it is an effective means to arouse scientific curiosity to taxpayers and to inform the necessity of space development, which costs enormous cost through exploration success.
Japan attracted attention as the asteroid probe Hayabusa2 succeeded in collecting the soil from the asteroid’Ryugu’, which was 340 million km away from Earth last month, and bringing it to Earth. The US asteroid probe Osiris-Rex also succeeded in collecting rock samples by approaching the surface of the asteroid Benu, 330 million miles outside last October.
Apophis is an analysis that is a good asteroid exploration opportunity, as it approaches the Earth much closer than other asteroids explored by mankind.
In the United States, proposals have also been made to turn Osiris-Rex returning to Earth in 2023 to Apophis exploration. In France and Taiwan, exploration was proposed, mainly by researchers. Director Choi said, “A country that shows willingness to push ahead will take the lead.”
It is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs about once every 1000 years that a celestial body the size of an Apophis passes through the earth as if it were passing by. This is an opportunity to see the various effects of gravity on asteroids that have not been observed so far. When Apophis approaches Earth, it is predicted that both its orbit and rotation characteristics will change. Moon Hong-gyu, senior researcher Cheon Mun-yeon, said, “The difference in gravity acting on both ends of the apophis can cause a landslide or the surface soil to scatter.” I said.
● Concrete as space development next to launch vehicles and satellites
Korea is set to launch the Nuri, a Korean launch vehicle in October this year. It is evaluated that it has secured the world’s sixth-class technology in the satellite field, such as launching its own next-generation medium-sized satellite on March 20. However, the direction of space development for the next stage has not been determined. Korea’s space exploration plan consists of the lunar orbiter project scheduled for launch in 2022 and the lunar lander project in 2030. It is suggested that the development of the Apophis asteroid probe could fill the gap between the two projects. It is also evaluated that the performance and purpose of use of the space launch vehicle to be developed in the future can be made more clear through various space exploration projects.
The government also agrees on the need for asteroid exploration. The 3rd Basic Plan for Space Development Promotion, prepared in 2018, included the use of micro-satellites for asteroid exploration and the use of government-funded research institute projects to collect asteroid resources. Considering the space exploration that takes several years to develop, the design must be initiated by 2022 at the latest. It is expected that the expansion of private participation in consideration of’New Space’, in which the space development subject is changed from the state to the private initiative, is also possible.
Minister of Science and Technology Information and Communication Choi Ki-young said, “This is the time when Korea needs concrete considerations for the next stage of space exploration following securing launch vehicles and satellite technology.” We will continue to discuss with experts in various fields to carry out.”