Hold onto your telescopes, space fans! Japan is teaming up with Europe to study asteroid Apophis as it zooms crazy close to Earth in 2029—closer than some satellites! 🛰️ Using its powerful H3 rocket, Japan’s space agency JAXA will help launch the European Space Agency’s Ramses mission to observe the asteroid, calling it a mission 'on behalf of humanity.' 🌌
Why This Matters
Apophis’ flyby is a once-in-1,000-years event, passing just 32,000 km from Earth. Scientists say studying it could help us prepare for future asteroid threats. Think of it as Earth’s cosmic security system! 🔭
Mission Details
If approved in November, JAXA plans to launch its DESTINY+ space explorer alongside Ramses in 2028. They’ll also provide infrared sensors and solar tech to track the asteroid’s path and composition. Talk about teamwork! 🤝
Global Space Shake-Up
With NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission facing budget cuts, Europe and Japan are stepping up their space game. Meanwhile, the EU and Japan are also collaborating on satellite networks, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries just scored a deal with France’s Eutelsat for H3 rocket launches. 🛰️💼
Psst… Japan and India are even planning a moon rover mission (LUPEX) next! 🌕 Who’s excited?
