Space Exploration: Observing Asteroid Apophis Flyby

Sydney-based HEO Robotics is planning to capture images of the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. The company, known for providing commercial satellite-to-satellite imagery, intends to acquire a satellite that is nearing the end of its operational life in geostationary orbit.

According to HEO co-founder and CEO Will Crowe, the plan involves using the remaining fuel of this satellite to perform a flyby of Apophis, which will pass within just 5.9 Earth radii of our planet. While Apophis is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, scientists do not consider it a threat during this encounter.

This flyby is significant because asteroids of Apophis's size, measuring 1,115 feet or 340 meters wide, approach Earth this closely only once every 7,500 years, providing a unique opportunity for scientific observation.

HEO is not alone in its mission; agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and Japan are also planning their own missions—OSIRIS-APEX, RAMSES, and DESTINY+, respectively—to study Apophis during its flyby.

The event could potentially be witnessed by up to 2 billion people globally. Crowe emphasizes the potential for expanding HEO's capabilities beyond low Earth imagery, aiming to offer on-demand images from across the solar system in the future.

This innovative approach to leveraging a dying satellite for scientific exploration highlights emerging technologies in space observation and the commercial satellite industry. HEO’s strategy reflects a growing trend in the space sector, where private companies increasingly contribute to scientific research alongside governmental agencies.

As the date of the flyby approaches, the collaboration between international space agencies and private firms underscores the importance of innovation in the realm of space exploration technologies.