The collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is entering a new, ambitious phase. Yesterday, JAXA officially submitted a funding request for its participation in the revolutionary European mission Ramses (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety), which aims for a close encounter with the asteroid Apophis. This move signals a strengthening of the international alliance in the key area of planetary defense and opens the door to a unique scientific venture that could redefine our understanding of asteroids and the ways we protect Earth from potential threats from space.

A unique opportunity for science and planetary defense

The Ramses mission represents an extraordinary opportunity that ESA describes as "once in a millennium." The Ramses spacecraft is planned to intercept the asteroid Apophis, approximately 375 meters in diameter, and track it during its extremely close, but safe, flyby of Earth in April 2029. Scientists will then be able to observe from close proximity how our planet's gravitational force affects the asteroid's physical characteristics. Earth's gravity is expected to cause changes in its rotation, surface structure, and even trigger seismic activity within the asteroid itself. The data collected during this phenomenon will provide invaluable insight into the internal structure and composition of asteroids, which is crucial for developing future strategies to deflect or destroy space bodies that might be on a collision course with our planet. The final decision on funding the Ramses mission will be made at the ESA Council of Ministers in November 2025. Given that the spacecraft must be launched during 2028 to reach its target on time, preparatory work is already underway to ensure the feasibility and readiness of this complex project.

Apophis: God of chaos under astronomical surveillance

Asteroid 99942 Apophis, named after the Egyptian deity of chaos and destruction, was discovered in 2004 and immediately caused great concern in the scientific community. Initial calculations of its trajectory indicated a disturbingly high probability of a collision with Earth in 2029, reaching a record level 4 on the Torino hazard scale. Subsequent, more precise observations ruled out the possibility of an impact, not only for 2029 but for the next hundred years. Nevertheless, on April 13, 2029, Apophis will pass at a distance of only 32,000 kilometers from the Earth's surface. This is closer than the orbits of geostationary satellites and represents the closest recorded passage of an asteroid of this size in modern history. This celestial event will be so spectacular that Apophis will be visible to the naked eye from areas of Europe, Africa, and Western Asia, providing a unique viewing opportunity for billions of people. It is this proximity that makes it a perfect natural laboratory for studying tidal forces and their impact on celestial bodies, which is the fundamental scientific goal of the Ramses mission.

Japan's contribution to the European mission

In parallel with ESA's approval process, JAXA has submitted a formal funding request to the Government of Japan, thereby confirming its commitment to this common goal. If approved, Japan's contribution to the mission will be of crucial importance. JAXA is expected to provide key components for the Ramses spacecraft, including solar panels for power and an advanced infrared imaging instrument. The infrared imager will allow for a detailed analysis of the thermal properties and surface composition of the asteroid. In addition, Japan is also offering to launch the mission on its new, powerful H3 rocket. Such a "rideshare" arrangement would significantly optimize resources and demonstrate the power of international cooperation in practice. This synergy of technology and expertise emphasizes the global nature of planetary defense, where resources and knowledge are pooled for common security.

Continuation of successful cooperation

The potential partnership on the Ramses mission builds on the already existing and extremely successful cooperation between ESA and JAXA. The two agencies are already working closely together on ESA's first planetary defense mission, Hera, which is currently on its way to the Didymos asteroid system. The Hera mission will investigate the aftermath of NASA's DART experiment, in which a spacecraft was intentionally collided with the smaller asteroid Dimorphos to test the kinetic impact method for changing its trajectory. Paolo Martino, the Ramses mission manager, expressed great satisfaction with the collaboration so far: "Our experience working with our colleagues from JAXA, first on the Hera mission and now on Ramses, has been excellent. We truly feel like one globally integrated team with a common goal. We would be delighted to face the challenge of reaching Apophis together." His words are confirmed by Holger Krag, Head of ESA's Space Safety Programme, who stated: "ESA welcomes JAXA's growing interest in participating in the Ramses mission. International cooperation lies at the heart of planetary defense and we are very happy to see Europe and Japan continue to strengthen their partnership in this field." This collaboration confirms that protecting the planet from cosmic threats is a global responsibility that transcends national borders and requires the united efforts of all humanity.