Mission overview
Tsinghua University in Beijing has designed a small spacecraft that will complement a suite of international missions targeting the near‑Earth asteroid (99942) Apophis. The asteroid's close approach in 2029 presents a unique window for detailed observation.
Objectives
The Chinese project aims to characterize the asteroid’s physical properties, including surface composition, rotation state, and any subtle orbital changes caused by Earth’s gravity during the encounter.
Collaboration context
While led by an academic institution, the mission is part of a broader international network of agencies and research groups. Data collected will be shared and merged with observations from other spacecraft and ground‑based facilities to produce a comprehensive dataset.
Technical specifications
- Spacecraft development and integration performed at Tsinghua University.
- Launch scheduled for 2028 to ensure arrival before the 2029 encounter.
- Onboard instruments include spectrometers and high‑resolution imagers for surface analysis.
Relevance to planetary defense
Apophis attracted attention in earlier decades due to preliminary impact probability estimates for the 2030s. Precise measurements during the 2029 flyby will improve orbital models and refine long‑term impact risk assessments.